Research & Analysis

Short version: more than a third of Jefferson County’s jobs depend on Fort Drum. Congress decides the money; the state shapes housing and schools. Here is what that means for families, veterans and local businesses.

Fort Drum supports 36% of Jefferson County’s wage earners. What Congress and the state can change for the post, military families and veterans, and each 2026 candidate’s record and proposals. Nonpartisan.

Short version: many health changes are already law and start in January, whoever wins. Here is what they mean for people on Medicaid, people who buy their own insurance, and local hospital patients.

Medicaid, the Essential Plan cutoff, marketplace premiums and the local hospitals: what is already scheduled in Jefferson County, and what each 2026 candidate proposes. Nonpartisan.

Short version: Blakeman’s plan would cut most local households’ state income tax to zero; the question is what gets cut to pay for it. Here is what it means for a few everyday households.

Enter your income and family size to see your 2026 New York income tax under the law in effect and under Bruce Blakeman’s proposed exemption, plus what the plan would cost and what it means in Jefferson County. Nonpartisan.

Short version: no one on the ballot can cut this winter’s bill. Most of a Watertown bill is wires and the power itself, not state fees. Here is what each plan would really change, and when.

A Watertown electric bill is about $128 a month: $67 delivery, $55 supply, $6 surcharges. Here is which part each 2026 candidate’s energy plan would change, by how much and how soon. Nonpartisan.

Every race on a City of Watertown ballot on Nov. 3, in plain English: who is running, what really separates them and where to read more. Nonpartisan.