September 16, 2026
FROM GOP CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR, BRUCE BLAKEMAN: “After driving up electric bills 50% and hiking utility rates 48 times, Kathy Hochul’s one-time utility rebate checks are nothing more than insulting ‘peanuts,’ Nassau County Executive and Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman declared today.
Blakeman slammed the “election year gimmick” at a press conference with local homeowners, small business owners, and a coalition of regional leaders, including New York City Councilwoman Joann Ariola, New York State Assembly candidate Tom Sullivan, and Angelo Pellegrino, owner of the local staple Brother’s Ravioli. ‘Do the math: a one-time $200 check doesn’t make a dent when your bills are running $1,000 higher year after year,” Blakeman said. “These checks are nothing more than insulting ‘peanuts’ handed out in the mail because Kathy Hochul hiked our utility rates 48 times, sending electric bills soaring 50% and costing families up to $1,320 annually. It’s a transparent election-year gimmick that fails to fix the affordability crisis she created. If you want real relief, vote for me for Governor, and I will cut your utility bill in half.'”
