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Governor Cuomo Warms Up To Higher Taxes On The Rich & Breaks For The Middle Class
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Dec 3, 2011
Modified Dec 3, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Dec 3, 2011
Modified Dec 3, 2011
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Though he's couched his opposition to the renewal of the "Millionaire's Tax" in the lofty language of personal conviction, Governor Cuomo appears to be warming up to the idea of bringing more "fairness" to the tax code in order to bolster an anemic state budget. The Times reports that Democrats in the State Assembly were warned that the governor may call a special session of the legislature on Tuesday, and sources say "leaders were discussing the creation of new tax brackets that would allow them to apply higher tax rates to the state’s top earners" while giving middle-class families a tax cut. Perhaps the governor cares more about polling than he initially let on.
Cuomo ran on a platform of no tax increases, but thanks to a dismal economy and the actions of a few lazy, smelly protesters, the governor's apparent shift occurs as a similar situation plays out in Washington: Democrats continue to urge for tax cuts on the middle class, paid for by the wealthy, while Republicans try to dodge the mantle of advocates of the rich (good luck with that).
With next year's state budget gap predicted to be as high as $3.5 billion, Cuomo can use the revenue generated from taxes on the wealthy to plug the holes as well as cut middle class families some slack, and give Republicans a way to say that they're actually cutting taxes for most citizens, not raising them, "You have to give them the ability to say, ‘This was not a tax increase; this was a tax cut,’ ” a source briefed on the discussions says. Changing the tax code would also keep Cuomo's position on the "Millionaire's Tax" consistent.
Naturally, these negotiations may break down, and the tax code issue may not surface until the normal session begins in January, but riding this wave of "class warfare" may be good for both parties, not to mention average New Yorkers.
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Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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