State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, has sent a letter to the governor "expressing frustration, disappointment and irritation on several issues focusing on unemployment access and benefits and ambiguous guidance from executive orders."

Griffo says in the letter that many state residents have yet to receive their unemployment benefits after approval.

The senator also states that the Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive orders have been ambiguous and lack clarity.

"The various state agencies charged with executing these policies have been left to scramble and to assemble guidance explaining what it is that you have pronounced. This has led to some confusion, as individuals and businesses attempt to abide by the newly established guidelines. There is a disconnect between what you state in your television appearances and the actual implementation of your directives, which has a significant and wide-ranging impact on the lives of New Yorkers. The interpretive nature of many of these directives must be avoided and replaced by guidance that is concise, possesses clarity and is easily understood as we look to reopen New York," Griffo writes.

Griffo also criticized the governor for what he believed were Cuomo's disparaging remarks about the roll of faith in people's lives as they deal with pandemic.

"Your daily T.V. presence is intended to brief and provide facts, but in your penchant to opine you should realize that your words have impact and consequences, and your disparaging of faith as a factor in an individual’s perseverance and recovery was unnecessary and unfortunate at a time when medical experts and yourself speak to the mental and emotional well-being of New Yorkers," Griffo writes.

The letter was released to the media April 20.

Griffo’s 47th District includes parts of St. Lawrence County.

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