MINEOLA, NY (November 27, 2024) —Following the Nassau Interim Finance Authority’s (NIFA) rejection of County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s proposed budget due to structural deficits and unsustainable financial practices, Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton is calling for an immediate special session of the Legislature. Democratic lawmakers are demanding swift action to correct the county’s growing fiscal crisis, with projected deficits expected to balloon to over $345 million by 2028.
"Bruce Blakeman’s budget has now been officially rejected by NIFA—a resounding indictment of his failed leadership," said Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton. "This crisis is no longer theoretical; it’s here. If Blakeman won’t act, the Legislature must step in before Nassau County’s finances spiral even further out of control."
NIFA’s rejection underscores concerns that Blakeman’s reliance on raiding reserve funds and employing budgetary gimmicks is both unsustainable and potentially illegal. The watchdog authority has criticized the administration’s failure to address structural deficits while warning of severe financial consequences if immediate corrections are not made.
“Blakeman’s budget is a house of cards built on borrowed time,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. "NIFA has made it clear that his actions violate basic financial principles. He’s gambling with Nassau’s future, and taxpayers will pay the price."
Under Blakeman’s leadership, Nassau County has far exceeded its budget for outside legal services, approving exorbitant contracts for private law firms—some at rates as high as $1,200 per hour—without required legislative or NIFA approvals.
“Blakeman has no problem handing out million-dollar contracts to outside lawyers who pad his political campaign war chest while telling taxpayers to make do,” said DeRiggi-Whitton. "This is fiscal mismanagement at its worst."
Additionally, Blakeman redirected $10 million in federal COVID relief funds—intended to support struggling families and businesses—into a slush fund for promoting Nassau’s 125th anniversary events.
“Diverting federal relief funds for parties and promotions is an insult to every Nassau resident who is still recovering from the pandemic,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. "It’s irresponsible and shameful."
Critical funding for public safety and health initiatives remains frozen. Over $800,000 earmarked for essential equipment for first responders, such as new turnout gear for volunteer firefighters and crime-fighting tools for local police, remains unspent. Similarly, more than $90 million in opioid settlement funds sits unused, even as the epidemic continues to devastate communities.
“Blakeman’s refusal to release these funds shows just how little he prioritizes the safety and well-being of Nassau residents,” said DeRiggi-Whitton. "Our first responders and those suffering from addiction deserve action—not indifference."
Democratic lawmakers repeatedly warned Blakeman that his budget was unsustainable. Now, with NIFA’s rejection highlighting the severity of the issue, DeRiggi-Whitton and her colleagues are demanding accountability and immediate corrective action.
“NIFA has confirmed what we’ve been saying all along—Blakeman’s budget is a disaster waiting to happen,” DeRiggi-Whitton stated. "If he can’t do the job he was elected to do, we’ll do it for him. Nassau needs leadership, not excuses."