Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for New York State Governor Bruce Blakeman today slammed Kathy Hochul for sending $1.5 billion in state taxpayer funds to bail out New York City as it confronts a fiscal shortfall under newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani — money that Blakeman says should instead be used to reduce school taxes across New York State and deliver real relief to families struggling with high property taxes and the cost of living.
Despite reports that New York City has trimmed its projected deficit — from an initial $12 billion to $7 billion — Hochul is set to deliver $1 billion in this fiscal year and another $510 million next year to the city.
“Kathy Hochul is happily handing billions to New York City while suburban and upstate taxpayers struggle to pay their bills,” said Blakeman. “If Albany truly has a $1.5 billion surplus — or if the Governor simply has that much money just laying around — that money should be used to cut school taxes for hard-working New Yorkers, not parked in a bailout that rewards fiscal mismanagement.”
Blakeman pointed to other recent state commitments that benefit New York City disproportionately, including rising state support for childcare and voucher programs that cost nearly $1.8 billion statewide annually, with the lion’s share being spent in the Big Apple.
Blakeman also highlighted the ongoing costs associated with New York City’s role as a so-called “sanctuary city.” According to local financial reports, city funds dedicated to services for asylum seekers and related programs are expected to total more than $6 billion over current multi-year spending plans — with state and local governments grappling with reimbursement structures at the state level.
“Why should someone on Long Island, the Hudson Valley, or Western New York be asked to pay for policies and programs that don’t benefit their communities?” asked Blakeman. “The people of this state deserve a Governor who prioritizes tax relief, common-sense fiscal management, and fairness for all New Yorkers — not just another bailout for Albany’s big city allies.”
Blakeman reiterated his pledge that if elected Governor he will:
Return unused state surplus dollars to taxpayers, starting with school tax relief.
Stop one-off bailouts that reward fiscal mismanagement and take money away from education, infrastructure, and essential services statewide.
Demand accountability for all state spending — including childcare and intergovernmental transfers — so that taxpayers see value for every dollar they send to Albany.
“New Yorkers deserve leadership that respects every community,” said Blakeman. “I will be a Governor for all — not just for Zohran Mamdani.”