Socialist state lawmakers are proposing new taxes as a solution to the growing costs of supporting migrants in New York City.
Two state lawmakers confirmed to the New York Post that new taxes were being considered.
State Senator Julia Salazar of Brooklyn said, “We should increase taxes because it’s an economically just policy to offset all costs for our state to function.”
She emphasized the importance of the wealthy paying their fair share.
Salazar mentioned that in 2021, the state had levied several tax increases on high earners. She conveyed her disappointment that these tax hikes were not made permanent.
Echoing Salazar’s sentiments, Brooklyn State Senator Jabari Brisport said, “We’re still pushing to tax the wealthy through the same revenue-generation methods we’ve advocated for years.”
This discussion on potential tax hikes arises in the backdrop of Mayor Eric Adams’ recent directive, requiring all city departments to curtail their budgets by 5-15%.
These budget cuts aim to accommodate the expenses anticipated from the migrant surge, projected to be around $12 billion over the next three years.
However, not everyone agrees with these measures.
Most taxes paid by New Yorkers require the approval of Governor Hochul at the state level. Apart from direct income tax, Albany’s lawmakers might contemplate raising taxes on items such as alcohol, hotels, and cigarettes.
However, some are critical of these potential tax hikes. Rob Cole, a former aide to Governor George Pataki, voiced concerns that such increases might encourage more New Yorkers to move to places like Florida, where taxes are lower.
Meanwhile, Governor Hochul’s current stance leans away from new taxes, with her spokesperson reiterating her commitment to balanced budgets without increased income taxes.
