A New York built around shared possibility would be one where those with the greatest wealth contribute more. In a state as wealthy as New York, child care and public schools should not be struggling to meet the needs of the children and families they serve. When the ultra-wealthy and most profitable corporations keep gaining more wealth, they also gain more power to shape political decisions, while Black and Brown communities and working-class families are left fighting for survival.
This year, AQE continued working as a member of the Invest in Our New York coalition to directly connect the fight for progressive revenue to the public investments New Yorkers depend on. We helped win a higher corporate tax rate on large corporations, as well as a new pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in New York City (although the latter is already facing a court challenge.)
But the larger Invest in Our New York revenue package, which could raise more than $40 billion every single year, was left out of the final budget.
We know too well how a concentration of wealth can turn into political influence, as wealthy donors and powerful industries spend heavily in New York’s elections and lobbying. November’s election and the upcoming legislative session will give us another opportunity to make taxing the ultra-wealthy a reality, along with new investments in child care, public education, affordable housing, health care, and more
AQE and our partners will keep organizing for a state where those who have gained the most contribute more, and where public investment strengthens working-class communities, especially the Black and Brown communities whose labor and care have long sustained New York.
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