The plan on the table
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman is making some big moves ahead of the November election. On Tuesday, the Republican gubernatorial candidate dropped a plan that would effectively wipe out income taxes for households in 45 of New York’s 62 counties. If he beats incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, he’s promising to eliminate taxes on the first $50,000 for single filers and the first $100,000 for married couples.
How the math hits
Real talk: New York is currently the state with the highest tax burden per resident in the U.S., according to the Citizens Budget Commission. Blakeman’s pitch is a $35 billion cut that would target rural communities that feel like they've been ghosted by Albany.
Under his proposal, the tax rate for people earning between $100,000 and $500,000 would drop from the current 6%–6.85% range down to 4%. For a married couple making $250,000 a year, the tax bill would drop from $13,000 to $6,000. It’s giving major relief, though the campaign hasn't dropped the tea on exactly how they plan to fund a $35 billion shortfall.
Why it matters
With New York holding the title of second-highest spender among mainland states, the "Vampire State" nickname is living rent-free in the minds of voters frustrated by the cost of living. Whether this massive tax overhaul is a W or just campaign noise is something voters will decide at the polls in November.
