ROSEDALE, Queens (WABC) — Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman on Wednesday unveiled a proposal to cut New York state income taxes, making the plan a centerpiece of his campaign against Gov. Kathy Hochul as he seeks to close the gap in the race.
The latest Siena poll, released last week, shows Hochul holding a 9-point lead over her Republican challenger.
At an event in Rosedale, Queens, Blakeman outlined a proposal that would eliminate state income taxes for single filers earning $50,000 or less and joint filers earning $100,000 or less annually.
“And by the way, if you make more than 100,000 dollars, your first 100,000 dollars, you pay no taxes as well,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman said the plan would save joint filers earning $100,000 about $4,000 per year. He said those earning up to $250,000 would save about $7,000 annually. According to Blakeman, the proposal would amount to a $35 billion statewide tax cut.
The proposal drew skepticism from some residents in the working-class community of Rosedale.
“If you’re gonna give money to us, that money has to come from somewhere. Where are we gonna lose those funds?” Rosedale resident Ronald Hall said.
Blakeman said he would cut funding for migrants and Medicaid. He also said his approval rating in New York City would rise above 30%, despite polling that suggests otherwise.
Hochul’s campaign criticized the proposal in a statement.
“While Governor Hochul fights tooth and nail for New Yorkers, cutting middle-class taxes to their lowest rate in 70 years, Bruce Blakeman did the opposite: he jacked up property taxes twice.”
Governor Hochul told Eyewitness News, “What is interesting is that there was, an independent think tank, a conservative think tank that said, this is not only a half baked job. It isn’t even in the oven. They know it is just throwing something out there to draw attention. But you know what I love about New Yorkers? They’re a lot smarter than that. They won’t fall for that.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani said this week that he would campaign with Hochul.
“The Governor and I, we are aligned on the things that matter, which is how to ensure that working class families can keep living in this state,” Mamdani said.
Some residents said Blakeman’s tax proposal addresses concerns about affordability.
“I don’t wanna have to leave because maybe I have to sell, because I can’t afford it,” Rosedale resident Daniella May said.
Whether the proposal could gain support from state lawmakers remains an open question.
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