Gov. Andrew Cuomo is now begging rich New Yorkers to come back because the state might run out of money really soon. He made the plea during a press conference on Monday, and he even offered to buy those who would be returning a drink.

“I literally talk to people all day long who are now in their Hamptons house who also lived here, or in their Hudson Valley house, or in their Connecticut weekend house, and I say, ‘You got to come back!’” Cuomo said. “‘We’ll go to dinner! I’ll buy you a drink! Come over, I’ll cook!’”

Around 400,000 of the wealthiest residents of New York left as it slowly emerged as the epicenter. So far, the city has 223,000 cases and nearly 19,000 confirmed deaths. The difficult situation caused by the pandemic caused even more problems as the riots over the death of George Floyd got underway. The riotings and lootings targeted businesses. There was an increase in the number of violent crimes being committed all over the city.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said that the tax receipts from the state fell by $1.5 billion in June compared to last year. Revenues from other taxes also dropped, which threatens the state’s ability to meet all of its obligations. The budget deficit could balloon to over $30 billion if the exodus of the rich New Yorkers is not stopped or if they are not enticed to return.

The budget deficit could force the governor to increase the tax rates, which he has continued to resist. He says that might scare away the wealthy residents from going back. Budget deficits can result in cuts overspending, and he’s right. Some crucial projects of the city might get ended since there will be less budget to use. The ones who will suffer are the ordinary residents of the city who have no other options.