Bruce Blakeman robs NY Gov. Kathy Hochul of $1.5B ‘bailout’ of Zohran Mamdani’s budget
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday brought in $1.5 billion in federal funds to help bail out New York City as it faces a budget deficit under new Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
That money should instead be used to lower school taxes across the Empire State, said a Nassau County official — as he accused Hochul of appearing in Democratic Socialist Mamdani, who recently endorsed his re-election bid.
“Timing is everything: Kathy Hochul gets Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement, and New York City gets billions of taxpayer dollars to pay for Mamdani’s immigration program and other wasteful spending,” Blakeman said.
“The people of New York deserve leadership that respects the whole community,” he said. “I will be the ruler of all – not just Zohran Mamdani.”
Despite the city’s deficit over the next two years falling from $12 billion to $7 billion — Hochul would bring $1 billion this fiscal year and another $510 million next year in federal funding to the city, Blakeman noted.
“Kathy Hochul is happily giving away billions to New York City while taxpayers in the suburbs and upstate are struggling to pay their bills,” Blakeman said.
“If Albany really has more than $1.5 billion — or if the governor has just that much money — that money should be used to reduce school taxes for hard-working New Yorkers, not for a bailout that rewards fiscal mismanagement.”
Blakeman pointed to some of Hochul’s recent commitments that disproportionately benefit New York City, including more support for child care and voucher programs worth about $1.8 billion a year, and the lion’s share of spending in five boroughs.
He also highlighted the ongoing costs associated with the Big Apple’s role as a so-called sanctuary city, saying that funds donated to refugee services are expected to exceed $6 billion over many years.
“Why should anyone in Long Island, the Hudson Valley, or Western New York be asked to pay for policies and programs that do not benefit their communities?” Blakeman asked.
Hochul’s campaign ripped Blakeman as untouchable for President Trump.
“New Yorkers have seen Governor Kathy Hochul cut middle-class taxes, put money back directly into their pockets through inflation reimbursement checks, and expand affordable child care — but Bruce Blakeman is against all of that,” said Hochul campaign spokesman Ryan Radulovacki.
“All New Yorkers get from Bruce Blakeman appreciates Trump’s agenda, including his tax that makes groceries more expensive, oppresses farmers, and pushes small businesses to the brink. That’s the choice in this race, and that’s why ‘100% MAGA’ Bruce will never be governor,” said Hochul rep.
They also linked Hochul and other Democratic Alliance representatives to Mamdani, who is less popular in rural and northern areas than in the Big Apple.
Suburban Republican and northern complaints about Albany pumping billions of dollars into New York City are a long-standing campaign strategy.
Political strategists say Hochul’s release of the city was in part aimed at deflecting unrest in Mamdani and leftist pressure for Albany to raise income taxes on the wealthy and corporations to balance the city’s budget.
Hochul opposes raising taxes as he faces voters this fall.
The governor’s office said the state will pick up the tab for some programs that shifted costs to the city, including $300 million for youth violence programs and another $60 million for public health.
Hochul defended part of the release decision released by the Mayor to the media on Monday.
“A stronger New York City means a stronger New York state. These investments protect resources and put the city on a more stable financial footing,” he said.
“New Yorkers expect the state and the city to work together, and I’m proud to work with the mayor to provide for working families.”
