Summary of “Bill O’Reilly Calls Out New York's Financial Irresponsibility”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
• Host/Author: Bill O'Reilly
• Episode: Bill O'Reilly Calls Out New York's Financial Irresponsibility
• Release Date: May 1, 2025
• Description: No Spin. Just Facts. Always looking out for you. Head to BillOReilly.com for more analysis.

Introduction

In the episode titled "Bill O’Reilly Calls Out New York's Financial Irresponsibility," host Bill O'Reilly delves into the growing trend of residents relocating from New York to Florida. He examines the financial repercussions of this migration, critiques New York's fiscal policies under Governor Kathy Hochul, and contrasts them with Florida's more conservative approach to governance.

Migration Trends: New Yorkers Flocking to Florida

Bill O'Reilly opens the discussion by highlighting recent data indicating a significant population shift from New York to Florida. He states:

"New data is out about people moving from New York to Florida. So more than 30,000 between 2018 and 22. This is the last data we have." [00:15]

He emphasizes the financial dimension of this migration, noting that approximately $9.2 billion in earnings have been transferred from New York to Florida over the specified period:

"And a combined $9.2 billion in earnings transferred from New York state to Florida. 9.2 billion." [00:25]

Projecting this trend forward to 2025, O’Reilly estimates that the figure could have surged to $15-16 billion, underscoring the substantial economic drain on New York.

Economic Impact on New York State

O’Reilly discusses the detrimental effects of this capital flight on New York's economy. The loss of tax revenue exacerbates the state's debt burden, leading to potential fiscal crises. He warns:

"The more money that leaves the state of New York, the bigger debt the state will have on taxes, the tax revenue goes down." [01:00]

Critique of Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Policies

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democratic administration's fiscal management. O’Reilly labels Hochul as a "wild spender," attributing New York's financial woes to her administration’s policies:

"Hochul is a wild spender, as all Democrats are. Wild spender." [01:20]

He specifically points to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as an example of unfettered spending:

"MTA. Oh, my God. Never ends. Never ends." [01:30]

education and Public Services Spending

O’Reilly highlights the new budget allocations, focusing on education and public services. He criticizes the allocation of funds for universal free school lunches and breakfasts:

"Every school kid in New York state, even if your daddy earns a billion dollars, every school kid gets a free lunch and a free breakfast. And it costs $1,600 for a school term to do that for every kid. Every kid, billions of dollars." [02:00]

He questions the sustainability of such expenditures, linking them to the state's growing deficits:

"If you don't have the tax money to support it, you run a deficit, you get into debt, and then you get into trouble." [02:10]

Bond Market Skepticism

O’Reilly addresses the lack of confidence in New York State bonds, suggesting that investors are reluctant to purchase them due to perceived fiscal irresponsibility. He states:

"Who's buying New York State bonds? Anybody? No, no one. Because the state is fiscally irresponsible. Going to buy bonds. I'm not." [02:30]

Population Loss Statistics

Delving deeper into the migration statistics, O’Reilly provides detailed figures showing significant population losses in various regions of New York:

• Long Island: Lost 138,000 residents to Florida.
• Westchester: Lost 60,000 residents.

He underscores that these losses are part of a broader trend affecting multiple areas within the state.

Decline in Millionaire Population

O’Reilly brings attention to the shrinking population of millionaires in New York, attributing it to stringent tax policies and high living costs. He notes:

"The total number of millionaires in New York State is 36. 6 is 70,000. 70,000 millionaires in the state." [03:00]

He criticizes Governor Hochul's administration for attempting to impose heavy taxes on high-net-worth individuals:

"That's why Hochul and her crew in Albany, they want to slap every tax on anybody worth more than a million bucks. They'll take your property if they can because they just can't meet their obligations." [03:10]

Comparison with Florida’s Fiscal Approach

Contrasting New York’s approach, O’Reilly praises Florida’s fiscal conservatism and emphasis on self-reliance. He highlights that Florida maintains safety nets without overextending on entitlements:

"Florida doesn't do that. Interestingly enough, what Florida does is a lot of self-reliance. They do have safety nets and they do have protections for indigence and people who don't have much money. But they're not running out massive entitlements like school lunches and breakfast." [03:30]

He also discusses Florida’s effective taxation strategies, such as hotel taxes and visitor fees, which bolster the state's revenue without overburdening residents:

"Florida gets you on hotel taxes and the visitors, they hit them. So you go down and rent a car in Florida, you're going to pay big taxes." [04:00]

Cost of Living and Quality of Life

O’Reilly touches upon the high cost of living in New York City, particularly in the hospitality sector. He points out that exorbitant hotel prices deter both residents and tourists:

"If you want to stay in a really good midtown Manhattan hotel, you better be prepared to pay $1,000 a night. $1,000? They would even throw breakfast in. You get a key and a pillow for a grand, sometimes more." [04:20]

He contrasts this with Florida’s more affordable options, especially during the off-peak seasons when rates dip significantly.

Conclusion and Personal Reflection

Concluding the episode, O’Reilly reflects on the broader implications of New York’s financial mismanagement. He expresses skepticism about his own potential relocation but remains critical of the state's trajectory:

"I know why people are leaving New York. I don't think I'm going to leave because of family and business and all that. But, you know, if it gets worse, I might." [05:00]

Key Takeaways

• Mass Migration: Over 30,000 New Yorkers have moved to Florida between 2018 and 2022, with significant economic implications.
• Financial Drain: An estimated $15-16 billion may have left New York by 2025, exacerbating the state's debt.
• Fiscal Criticism: Governor Hochul and the Democratic administration are criticized for excessive spending and fiscal irresponsibility.
• Population and Wealth Decline: Significant population loss in regions like Long Island and Westchester, coupled with a decrease in New York’s millionaire population.
• Florida’s Advantage: Florida is lauded for its conservative fiscal policies, self-reliance, and effective taxation strategies that sustain its economy without overburdening residents.
• Cost of Living: High costs in New York City, especially in housing and hospitality, are driving factors behind the migration.

Notable Quotes

• "Hochul is a wild spender, as all Democrats are. Wild spender." [01:20]
• "Every school kid in New York state, even if your daddy earns a billion dollars, every school kid gets a free lunch and a free breakfast. And it costs $1,600 for a school term to do that for every kid. Every kid, billions of dollars." [02:00]
• "What's buying New York State bonds? Anybody? No, no one. Because the state is fiscally irresponsible. Going to buy bonds. I'm not." [02:30]
• "Florida doesn't do that. Interestingly enough, what Florida does is a lot of self-reliance." [03:30]
• "If you want to stay in a really good midtown Manhattan hotel, you better be prepared to pay $1,000 a night." [04:20]

This episode provides a critical examination of New York's financial policies and their broader socio-economic impacts. By contrasting these with Florida's fiscal strategies, Bill O'Reilly offers listeners a perspective on the consequences of governmental spending and taxation policies on state-wide economic health and population retention.