Allen Caruso | NY Assembly District 113 with The Rich Giardino Show

What would Allen Caruso prioritize in Albany, and how would his experience building businesses shape his approach to state government?

In this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich welcomes Allen Caruso, Republican candidate for New York State Assembly District 113, for a conversation about affordability, small business, district representation, and the experiences that shaped his decision to run. Caruso is a Saratoga Springs small-business owner with experience in restaurants, hospitality, real estate, and real estate development. Born in Plattsburgh and raised in Saratoga, he earned a business degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and describes a path from poverty and foster care to building businesses and creating jobs.

THE CONVERSATION EXPLORES:

• AFFORDABILITY & UTILITY COSTS: Caruso says one restaurant’s utility bill rose from roughly $1,100 in 2018 to nearly $2,900 this past January, and explains why he sees affordability as the central issue in the race.

• GAS TAX & UPSTATE COMMUTES: Rich and Allen discuss suspending or repealing New York’s gas tax and the burden fuel costs place on residents who must drive long distances to work, shop, and access healthcare.

• SMALL BUSINESS & CREDIT-CARD FEES: Caruso proposes giving businesses a state credit for the credit-card processing fees they pay when collecting sales tax on New York’s behalf.

• REDISTRICTING & REPRESENTATION: The conversation examines a district spanning parts of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties and Allen’s concerns about how legislative boundaries are drawn.

• FROM FOSTER CARE TO BUSINESS OWNERSHIP: Caruso shares his childhood experience with poverty, instability, and foster care—and how that background shaped his outlook on opportunity and public service.