Long Island, New York Bids To Become 51st State

March 28, 2008 7:16 a.m. EST

Long Island, NY (AHN) - Suffolk comptroller Joseph Sawicki is slated to renew Long Island's bid to become the U.S.' 51st state at the Friday breakfast hosted by the Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute of Dowling College. Sawicki first broached the idea of a Long Island secession from Albany in 1991 when he was a state assemblyman.

Expounding on the idea, Sawicki told Newsday, "Before you dismiss me as being on the fringe of craziness, just imagine: Taxes raised on Long Island would be spent on Long Island." He pointed out the region, made up of Nassau and Suffolk, remitted $8.1 billion taxes and fees to Albany in 2004, but received only $5.2 billion in services. "I don't like the way these numbers add up," Sawicki said, "It leaves Long Island paying for the rest of the state."

The New York state had been plagued over the years by calls for separations from various local governments. Among those that had sought separation were East End which wanted to become Peconic County, Staten Island and New York City.

The recent scandal involving disgraced New York state Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the weak economy and disorder in the state were the reasons cited by Martin Cantor, director of the LIESPI, to call again for separation. Cantor said whoever sits as governor will neglect Long island.

Long Islanders were divided on the issue. Long Island is larger than 19 states and with its population of 2.8 million, has more people than all other American cities, except for the three biggest cities. It measures 1,401 square miles and is the largest island in continental U.S.