The federal government, not New York state, is liable for the billions of dollars lost due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday in a conference call. 

"It was their negligence that caused our loss," Cuomo said. "It's a Washington problem."

New York's budget options without federal aid are not pretty: The state would likely have to take up a menu of tax increases, spending reductions, and borrowing to plug a multi-billion dollar hole created by the economic crisis.

Local governments and school districts could also lose big, forcing layoffs and tax increases on the municipal level as well. 

All this will have a detrimental effect on the economy, Cuomo said.  

"That can't be positive for the economy and before you cut your nose to spite your face, my point is we're not liable for this. Washington is liable," Cuomo said. 

The governor compared the push for federal aid to paying for a dinner you're not on the hook for. 

"Don't pick up the check and figure it out if it's not your liability," he said. "We're not picking up the check for COVID."

Congress so far has stalled on another coronavirus relief package, one that could send direct aid to state and local governments. While action seems unlikely as Washington is gripped by a politically charged Supreme Court nomination, Cuomo is still optimistic, in part by the motivations of lawmakers running for re-election. 

"Who knows what they're going to do, congressionally, right?" Cuomo said. "They're all watching polls. They're know what's in their best interest."

And a Democratic takeover of the U.S. Senate, the White House, or both would be good for the state, the governor said.

"[Democratic Senate leader] Chuck Schumer, as head of the Senate, would not want to see New York cutting spending and borrowing and raising taxes," Cuomo said. "I can guarantee you that."