Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman highlighted declining crime, economic and public health improvements and new immigration initiatives during his State of the County address, while Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the county’s financial outlook.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered his State of the County address Monday evening, highlighting what he called progress on crime, the economy and public health, while also outlining plans related to immigration and workforce development.
Blakeman said crime across Nassau County has dropped 10% compared to the same time last year. He credited the decrease to the work of the Nassau County Police Department and cooperation with federal immigration authorities. “Our partnership with ICE has removed over 200 illegal migrants who committed crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, carjacking and human trafficking,” Blakeman said. Some residents say they are concerned about how county resources are being used and about the use of taxpayer money for detaining migrants in county facilities. “I know they are incarcerating them in the Nassau County facilities which I am paying for with my tax money. I don't feel that's an appropriate place for my tax money to go,” said Marvin Finn of Syosset. During the address, Blakeman also announced he is working with federal officials to launch a guest worker program aimed at helping businesses fill jobs across Nassau County. The program would focus on what he described as “law-abiding” immigrants. “Our business community needs these workers. We will continue to work to improve their situations in Nassau County by working with federal officials,” Blakeman said. Blakeman also pointed to economic and public health improvements. He said taxes have not increased, partnerships with health organizations have helped save lives, and overdose deaths have dropped by 16%.But some Democratic lawmakers disagree with his assessment of the county’s finances. Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said the county is relying too heavily on its financial reserves. “You can say you are maintaining your budget and not raising taxes but he is going through 50% of his savings to cover his shortfalls,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I think he's trying to change his image because he's running for governor, which he said he wouldn't do when running for executive." Blakeman also said the number of minority and women-owned businesses in Nassau County has increased by more than 40% over the past year. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered State of the County address from the Nassau County Legislative Building in Mineola.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Baldwin County officials update intersection improvements on county roadThe update concerns CR 26 (West Michigan Avenue) and South Hickory Street Intersection Improvements
Read more »
Pa. State Trooper shot and killed in Chester County on Sunday night, sources sayA Pennsylvania State Police Trooper was shot and killed in Chester County on Sunday night, sources told NBC10.
Read more »
Pennsylvania State Trooper shot and killed during traffic stop in Chester CountyA Pennsylvania State Police Trooper was shot and killed during a traffic stop Sunday night in West Caln Township.
Read more »
Traffic Alert: Lanes blocked in both directions on I-95 at the Nassau/Duval County lineA crash involving an overturned semi is blocking lanes in both directions on I-95 at the Nassau/Duval County line, according to Nassau County deputies.
Read more »
Off-duty Nassau County deputy rescues child from retention pond, performs CPR, sheriff’s office saysA Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being credited with saving a young child who was struggling in a retention pond behind his home while he was off duty.
Read more »
Nassau County's Blakeman takes shot at foe Hochul, touts pro-ICE stance in annual addressToday's Video Headlines: 03/09/26
Read more »