Joseph Hernandez Signs No-New-Taxes Commitment
Independent mayoral candidate Joseph Hernandez has made headlines by officially signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. This significant commitment, made at the headquarters of Americans for Tax Reform, positions Hernandez as the only candidate in the ongoing race to assure voters that he will not impose new taxes on residents.
Ambitious Budget Reform Plan
Alongside his pledge, Hernandez revealed a transformative budget reform plan aimed at realizing a staggering $15.2 billion in annual savings. His strategy is centered around smart budget cuts and structural modifications to the current $120 billion budget, promising an enhancement of vital services rather than sacrificing them. By focusing on targeted savings, he intends to reinvest those funds in crucial public services such as education, public safety, transit, and housing.
“New Yorkers are the most overtaxed citizens in the nation—and for what benefit?” stated Hernandez. “We are expected to pay the most yet receive the least in terms of services. My initiative aims to restore financial discipline and improve public services without burdening families with additional taxes.”
Areas Targeted for Savings
The proposed savings will originate from six strategic areas. Hernandez aims to tackle administrative inefficiencies within the Department of Education, streamline overlapping homeless and mental health initiatives, cut connections with politically favored consultants, modernize procurement processes, reduce legal retainers, and optimize staffing structures.
Specifically, Hernandez highlights the Department of Education as a prime area for reform. The city currently allocates over $38 billion to this department each year. Hernandez’s proposal includes reducing redundant roles within the central office, re-evaluating inflated vendor contracts, and redirecting resources directly to classrooms, which he projects could yield over $5 billion in savings.
Immediate Actions if Elected
Should he take office, Hernandez promised to enact a fiscal emergency order on his first day, instate a hiring freeze for non-essential positions, and establish an Independent Budget Reform Commission. His aims are ambitious: capturing $7–8 billion in confirmed recurring savings during the initial year, with plans for nationwide roll-out by the second year. Moreover, he proposes a new Rainy Day Reserve Fund to ensure fiscal stability over the long term.
About Joseph Hernandez
A driven entrepreneur, Joseph Hernandez is a Cuban-American candidate bringing a wealth of experience as a biotech entrepreneur. His life story is compelling; fleeing political oppression with his family, he immigrated to the U.S. at the tender age of seven, ultimately forging a distinguished career in public health innovation. Hernandez holds advanced degrees in neuroscience, molecular genetics, epidemiology, and finance from prestigious institutions such as the University of Florida and Yale. He is dedicated to restoring safety, affordability, and accountability to the leadership of New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taxpayer Protection Pledge?
The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is a commitment made by candidates to oppose any new tax increases.
What are the key elements of Hernandez's budget reform plan?
Hernandez's plan focuses on cutting wasteful spending with a goal of achieving $15.2 billion in annual savings.
How does Hernandez plan to improve public services?
He aims to reinvest savings into public safety, education, housing, and transit without reducing core services.
What strategies will Hernandez employ to achieve budget savings?
Strategies include reducing administrative roles, consolidating programs, and modernizing procurement practices.
What is Hernandez's background?
Hernandez is a Cuban-American biotech entrepreneur with extensive experience and a strong academic background focused on public health.
