Governor Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly said if the state does not receive federal aid soon, schools, hospitals, and local governments could all see funding cuts of up to 20 percent.

But he has yet to set a firm date on when this federal aid has to come in by before these cuts become permanent. Yet, somewhat quietly behind the scenes, these cuts are already starting.

Around 12 cities, including Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, were told at the end of June the state would be temporarily withholding millions of dollars. Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy says he has his doubts this is temporary.

“Delayed payments tend to convert to cuts,” McCarthy said.

This lack of state funding to local municipalities has already resulted in layoffs and cuts to important services. Just last week, counties were told state money for mental health services is going to be withheld until federal dollars arrive.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was in Schenectady on Monday, calling on the federal government to act soon.

“Our local governments, our municipalities, and our counties are all desperate, desperate for money,” Schumer emphasized. “And if they don’t get the money what will happen is very simple, there will be lots of layoffs.”

However, both the governor and Minority Leader Schumer are holding out hope that this money will be voted on by the end of July before permanent damage is done.

“We hope so, that’s the deadline we would like to put,” Senator Schumer said. “McConnell, at first he said we’re not going to do it at all, then maybe he said in June, now he says maybe the last two weeks of July. We need it ASAP. Every day we wait there will be more layoffs, fewer services, and more harm to the economy.”

Schumer did not answer how Senate Democrats were working with Senate Republicans to get this done but said people should call their federal representatives to urge them to act quickly.