Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recently voiced his concerns about Governor Kathy Hochul’s priorities, suggesting that they are misaligned. He accused Democrats of focusing more on aiding illegal immigrants rather than addressing New Yorkers’ rising living costs.
During a conversation with John Catsimatidis on WABC-AM radio’s “Cats Roundtable,” Blakeman stated, “We want to ensure that we lower government costs so taxpayers aren’t burdened by expenses that don’t benefit them, like the $4.5 billion spent on illegal immigration. That’s Governor Hochul’s doing.” He remarked that this sum could have been utilized for crucial services like infrastructure, healthcare, and education tax cuts.
Blakeman pointed out, “New York City has spent about $8 billion on migrants, which adds up to over $12 billion when combining city and state expenses. That’s a staggering amount for individuals who couldn’t earn it and are here illegally.”
Blakeman, known for his backing from former President Trump, also noted the expansive financial implications of these immigration-related expenditures.
He seemed to position himself as a strong conservative challenger, especially against sanctuary policies that facilitate support for immigrants in the state.
In response, a spokesperson for the Hochul campaign criticized Blakeman, asserting he aligns himself with Trump’s economic policies that have previously harmed New York families. They suggested that his approach could replicate Trump’s costly governance on a state level.
