The socialist state’s lawmakers are itching to impose new tax hikes to cover the rising costs of immigrants in the Big Apple – insisting that forcing New Yorkers to pay more is the only way out of the growing crisis.
Two state senators told The Post that new taxes are on the table, while their grassroots cadres have been abuzz on social media.
“We should raise taxes because it’s just economic policy to offset all the costs of making our state work,” said state Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn).
“I would say that even if our cities and states don’t see an increase in immigrants seeking asylum, right now it makes it more important for the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes.”
Salazar noted that in 2021 the state passed numerous tax increases on high earners — which he lamented would sink rather than remain.
His tax-happy sentiment was echoed by fellow Senate Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn).
Socialist National Senator Julia Salazar said immigrants only underscore the need to “tax the rich.” AP Photo/Julie Jacobson
“We should raise taxes because it’s just economic policy to offset all the costs for our state to function,” said state Sen. Julia Salazar.AP Photo/Julie Jacobson
“We’re still advocating to tax the rich through the same revenue-raising bills we’ve fought for for years,” he said.
The renewed tax frenzy comes after Mayor Adams last week ordered that all city agencies must cut their budgets by 5%, and possibly up to 15% in the future, to help accommodate the surge in immigrants.
Adams has said that caring for immigrants will cost $12 billion over the next three years.
State Senator Jabari Brisport said he is still enthusiastic about the new tax. JCRice
Left-leaning Dems have derided cutting services to pay immigrants as the wrong choice.
“Reminder: This is a choice. We cut services for New Yorkers when we can #TaxTheRich. Don’t blame immigrants for lack of leadership,” said Brian Romero, chief of staff to socialist Queens Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas, in response to the cuts.
González-Rojas publicly offered to accept all new immigrant shelters into her Queens district in a Zoom call with lawmakers last month — something she has yet to follow up on.
Most of the taxes New Yorkers pay will come at the state level and require Governor Hochu’s approval. If not a direct income tax, Albany police could choose to raise levies on alcohol, hotels, cigarettes and other items.
Critics say the tax hike is the wrong approach.
“They’re going to raise taxes on anything you can think of that moves or walks. And frankly continue the migration of outsiders to Florida,” said Rob Cole, a longtime aide to former Gov. George Pataki.
Gov. Hochul says he’s not a fan of the idea of pledging to block any new taxes in Fiscal Year 2025. Matthew McDermott
Republicans in Albany – long languishing in the minority – will have little power to stop any new increases that win the support of the Democratic Party.
For now, the governor says he is not considering a new tax.
“Governor Hochul passed two balanced budgets without raising income taxes, and intends to do the same for Fiscal Year 2025,” his spokesman Avi Small told The Post.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
