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.<\/p>\n
The latest Siena poll, released last week, shows Hochul holding a 9-point lead over her Republican challenger.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The proposal drew skepticism from some residents in the working-class community of Rosedale.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hochul’s campaign criticized the proposal in a statement.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani said this week that he would campaign with Hochul.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Some residents said Blakeman’s tax proposal addresses concerns about affordability.<\/p>\n
“I don’t wanna have to leave because maybe I have to sell, because I can’t afford it,” Rosedale resident Daniella May said.<\/p>\n
Whether the proposal could gain support from state lawmakers remains an open question.<\/p>\n
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