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Debate spotlights state budget process, Con Edison delivery charges and local affordability challenges
Summary
Candidates at the 82nd Assembly District debate criticized the state’s budget process and prioritized affordability topics ranging from Con Edison delivery charges and Co-op City infrastructure to education and Medicaid work requirements.
Candidates for the 82nd Assembly District used the Bronx Talk forum to press themes of affordability and state policy, focusing on the budget process, utility rates, education and local infrastructure.
On the budget process, candidates said the governor holds outsized leverage. “The governor does have too much power,” Assemblymember Michael Benedetto told the program, citing judicial precedent and arguing the process must change even as he highlighted budget provisions he said benefit constituents, including expanded subsidies and child-care funding. Jake Kühl and Felix Ortiz echoed calls to reduce executive leverage and prioritize affordability.
Utility costs were a recurring local concern. Jake Kühl said Bronx residents face particularly high electricity delivery charges and urged action in the budget to secure uniform delivery rates across New York City. “This district has the highest Con Edison delivery rates in all of New York City,” Kühl said, and called for measures to lower charges that he said make energy unaffordable for many households.
Local infrastructure and housing problems were another area of debate. Benedetto noted he had secured about $51 million directed toward Co-op City infrastructure and warned that state and city climate rules — referenced in the discussion as Local Law 97 — could require changes to the Co-op City power plant by 2035, potentially raising maintenance costs for residents. Candidates discussed ferry service to City Island, support for small businesses facing competition from new developments, and concerns about privatization of Throgs Neck Houses.
On healthcare policy, candidates uniformly opposed proposed federal Medicaid work requirements, saying they would remove coverage at a time when many people need services. “Health care is a human right,” one candidate said in response to the question about the federal rule scheduled to begin in 2027.
The debate also included back-and-forth about education: Benedetto said he helped advance Board of Regents action on financial literacy requirements, while challengers said more should be done to expand after-school and arts programs.
The forum ended with closing statements and a reminder to vote in the Democratic primary on June 23 with early voting June 13–21. No formal legislative action occurred at the debate.
