Andy, Ky. gov pan Trump bid

ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo was joined by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear Monday as the pair of Democrats called President Trump’s executive actions on coronavirus relief “unworkable.”

Cuomo (inset), recently installed as the new head of the National Association of Governors, said he has spoken to leaders in other states about the president’s new order extending unemployment benefits and passing some of the cost to already struggling states.

“I hope this was just a tactic by the President. If he thinks this is a resolution, this only makes a bad situation worse,” Cuomo said during a call with reporters. “My advice to the president is when you are in a hole, stop digging. This executive order only digs the hole bigger.”

Trump’s extension reduced federal unemployment benefits from $600 a week to $400, with states responsible for a quarter of the funds, after Congress failed to reach a deal on the issue.

The move could cost New York $4 billion over the next five months, Cuomo said, adding that such a request is “laughable” and will likely face a legal challenge.

Beshear encouraged Congress to take action and pass a stimulus bill that addresses the unemployment issue as well as providing funds for states facing growing deficits in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

“My motivation today is not to criticize or suggest that the President’s executive order wasn’t intended to help, but simply to make the point that it’s not workable in its current form,” Beshear said.