New York state should sue the Trump administration over a lack of state and local government aid during the coronavirus pandemic, Assemblyman Joe Lentol on Friday said. 

A COVID stimulus measure that could potentially provide billions of dollars in aid to New York's state and local governments remains in limbo in Washington amid disagreements over the size and scope of the measure as well as whether state governments should be helped. 

Lentol urged Attorney General Letitia James to file the suit as New York seeks up to $59 billion in relief. 

“President Trump’s negligence has caused death and harm to many New Yorkers. This negligence will lead to the ruin of our education, health, transportation and social service systems. This is an outrage because the primary responsibility of the President is to keep the homeland safe and secure," he said. "President Trump acknowledged and then discarded willingness to provide financial relief to states led by Democratic governors. This is illegal, discriminatory and negligent, and should be overturned.  The President’s actions dictate that State Attorneys General demand justice."

New York has lost billions of dollars in tax revenue as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent closure of non-essential businesses and other gather places earlier this year. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said without aid the state will have to reduce spending, raise taxes and borrowing to close a budget gap next year.