Blakeman Unveils 100-Day Plan for New York
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is proposing a strategy to enhance safety and affordability in New York.
The Nassau County executive shared his vision for governing the state during his initial 100 days in office.
Blakeman criticized the current governor, Kathy Hochul, claiming that she mishandles New Yorkers’ earnings, referring to them as slush funds. He believes residents are being pushed out of their homes due to high costs.
One major element of his forthcoming plan includes terminating New York’s designation as a “sanctuary state” for undocumented immigrants. He also plans to cut state funding to New York City if it continues to enforce stricter sanctuary regulations.
“I can’t justify giving New York City billions for its deficit while they waste money and alienate residents who contribute,” Blakeman said.
He took issue with Hochul’s commitment to providing $1.5 billion to address the city’s reported $5.4 billion deficit.
Blakeman labels his initiative as an “affordability mandate,” asserting it will deliver significant financial relief in one of the highest taxed states in the nation.
Key proposals include a flat 10% income tax reduction for individuals earning under $250,000 and the removal of state income taxes on the first $50,000 for single filers and $100,000 for couples.
For instance, state taxes for married couples making $250,000 would be reduced from $13,000 to $6,000 annually; singles earning $100,000 would pay only $2,000 instead of $5,000.
“Thanks to Kathy Hochul’s steep taxes, New Yorkers are moving to states like Florida and Texas just to get by,” he stated. “We desperately need tax cuts.”
Additionally, he aims to eliminate congestion pricing, particularly in parts of Manhattan.
Blakeman also wants to decrease utility expenses by returning $2.4 billion in unused funds from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which were initially set aside for green energy projects.
“Under Hochul, utility costs are 50% higher than the national average because of her hidden taxes and environmental mandates,” he said. “We’re shifting away from her costly energy initiatives toward dependable natural gas and nuclear power.”
In terms of public safety, Blakeman seeks to collaborate with the Legislature to repeal cashless bail laws, which he believes keep offenders on the streets.
He expressed a desire to boost funding for local police forces, allowing them to hire more officers and improve crime-fighting tools. Since assuming office in 2022, he has successfully advocated for hiring an additional 600 police officers in Nassau.
“Unlike the current administration, I’m committed to supporting our police with the necessary resources to maintain safety in the city,” he remarked. “We will bring back law and order.”
In response, Hochul’s campaign spokesperson, Ryan Radulovaki, cautioned New Yorkers to temper their expectations regarding Blakeman’s proposals.
“MAGA Bruce Blakeman has a track record of misleading statements, and if he were to lead, New Yorkers would see rising costs and taxes, as he did in Nassau. Expect cuts to essential services like Medicaid and for ICE to have unchecked power across the state,” he warned.
