LI's Success As Own State? NYS Assemblyman Calls For Study

ALBANY, NY — A Suffolk Republican on Monday suggested a study be done on whether Long Island would succeed in seceding from New York and becoming its own state.

"The needs of Long Island and its residents differ greatly from the rest of New York state," state Assemblyman Keith Brown told Patch. "We are tired of being the ATM for New York City."

Brown said conservation of Long Island's aquatic resources could be easier to attend to if the island became a separate entity.

"Environmental conservation of the Long Island Sound, Peconic and Great South Bay, preservation of reliable watersheds, infrastructure and maintenance on the LIRR and LIE require funding and attention that New York state simply cannot provide while it deals with larger financial and public safety issues of its own creation," Brown said.

Brown has not yet put a secession bill forward, but he also said Long Island could be annexed by Connecticut or Rhode Island, CNY Central reported.

Not everyone is a fan of secession.

State Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D — Brentwood) called the idea "insane," and said Long Island could not provide public protection and education services without state money, CNY Central reported. Ramos also said minority communities would be marginalized.

Brown was elected to Assembly District 12 in 2020, defeating Democratic challenger Michael Marcantonio. The seat was last held by Republican Andrew Raia before his retirement from the state assembly. Raia serves as Huntington town clerk.

The 12th Assembly District covers Northport, East Northport, Centerport, Eaton's Neck, Asharoken and portions of Fort Salonga, Halesite, Greenlawn, Commack, Elwood, Dix Hills, Deer Park, and North Bay Shore.