Nassau County New York Executive Bruce Blakeman makes an announcement regarding his executive order banning transgender girls and women from competing in women's sports in county facilities in Mineola, New York, U.S., March 18, 2024. REUTERS/Adam Gray
(New York, New York) – Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is blasting Gov. Kathy Hochul over a reported $4 billion state boost tied to New York City’s budget picture, calling it a taxpayer-funded rescue of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s agenda.
Blakeman framed the move as a direct hit on working families, arguing that money from across the state is being used to stabilize City Hall while New Yorkers are already struggling with groceries, rent, taxes and everyday costs.
The attack comes as Mamdani promotes the city’s budget turnaround, including claims that a massive deficit has been brought under control. But critics say the story changes if Albany had to step in with billions to help make the numbers work.
For Hochul, the decision carries political risk. Helping New York City may strengthen support from progressives and urban Democrats, but it also gives Republicans a clean message heading into election season: state taxpayers are being asked to cover the cost of Mamdani’s New York.
Blakeman’s argument is simple — if City Hall needs Albany’s money to balance the books, then Mamdani did not fix the problem. Taxpayers did
