New York State Legislature Seeks to Capitalize on Mamdani's Victory Amid Push for Progressive Policies
With the start of the new session, a group of eight lawmakers in the New York state Legislature is looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by Zohran Mamdani's recent victory as the mayor of New York City. The Democratic Socialists of America-aligned lawmakers aim to push their progressive policies forward, including raising taxes on high earners and corporations to fund priorities such as universal child care and free public transportation.
State Senator Jabari Brisport, who is part of the group, believes that this is a pivotal moment for the movement, stating, "I can feel the whole movement locking in." He notes that the coalition is now poised to push for major legislative victories on issues like clean energy investments and raising the minimum wage. The lawmakers collectively count their achievements as passing bills that boost affordable housing.
Bills are being proposed to increase revenue through taxation of affluent New Yorkers, including a "Fair Share Act" that would add a 2% surcharge on individuals making over $1 million in income annually. Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest estimates this proposal could raise around $4 billion in new annual revenue.
However, Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed skepticism towards the idea of taxing high earners, previously calling it a "non-starter." Business groups have also raised concerns that higher taxes will drive wealthy individuals away from the state. Despite these challenges, Mamdani and the DSA-aligned lawmakers remain optimistic, with Brisport stating, "I know the governor has been hoping for a unicorn to come through and pay for it, but there is no other way out but to raise revenue."
The group aims to mobilize grassroots support by organizing door-to-door campaigns, similar to those conducted by Mamdani's volunteers. Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha notes that her mid-Hudson Valley district has been highly supportive of progressive policies since her election in 2022, and she believes this momentum will carry forward.
The push for universal child care is a key area of focus for the lawmakers, with all but one member representing parts of New York City. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher hopes that Mamdani's victory will inspire more people to join their progressive movement, stating that it is "popular, and it will be effective."
With the start of the new session, a group of eight lawmakers in the New York state Legislature is looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by Zohran Mamdani's recent victory as the mayor of New York City. The Democratic Socialists of America-aligned lawmakers aim to push their progressive policies forward, including raising taxes on high earners and corporations to fund priorities such as universal child care and free public transportation.
State Senator Jabari Brisport, who is part of the group, believes that this is a pivotal moment for the movement, stating, "I can feel the whole movement locking in." He notes that the coalition is now poised to push for major legislative victories on issues like clean energy investments and raising the minimum wage. The lawmakers collectively count their achievements as passing bills that boost affordable housing.
Bills are being proposed to increase revenue through taxation of affluent New Yorkers, including a "Fair Share Act" that would add a 2% surcharge on individuals making over $1 million in income annually. Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest estimates this proposal could raise around $4 billion in new annual revenue.
However, Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed skepticism towards the idea of taxing high earners, previously calling it a "non-starter." Business groups have also raised concerns that higher taxes will drive wealthy individuals away from the state. Despite these challenges, Mamdani and the DSA-aligned lawmakers remain optimistic, with Brisport stating, "I know the governor has been hoping for a unicorn to come through and pay for it, but there is no other way out but to raise revenue."
The group aims to mobilize grassroots support by organizing door-to-door campaigns, similar to those conducted by Mamdani's volunteers. Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha notes that her mid-Hudson Valley district has been highly supportive of progressive policies since her election in 2022, and she believes this momentum will carry forward.
The push for universal child care is a key area of focus for the lawmakers, with all but one member representing parts of New York City. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher hopes that Mamdani's victory will inspire more people to join their progressive movement, stating that it is "popular, and it will be effective."
! Eight lawmakers are riding the wave of progressive policies and I gotta say, a 2% surcharge on millionaires sounds like a decent start 
. But the business groups are already throwing shade about it driving rich folks away... that's what tax hikes do tho 
. What's interesting is how grassroots support is being mobilized to push for these policies - door-to-door campaigns, yeah! 
I'm not sure about Governor Hochul though, she seems a bit skeptical 
. Still, with the current momentum and all these progressive lawmakers in office, I think we might see some real changes in New York State 
this sounds like a great opportunity for NY to make some real changes, but taxing the rich is such a tricky issue 
i've heard governors and business groups say that before, but hasn't it actually brought in more revenue in cities like Seattle and San Francisco? 
also, how much of the $4 billion is going to actually go towards child care and public transportation? 
shouldn't we be seeing some numbers on that front too? 
can you imagine having a mayor who's actually part of the DSA? 
zohran mamdani just gave us hope that NYC won't be a total disaster 
. those 8 lawmakers are on fire 
. but, governor hochul's being super extra about taxing the rich 
. and btw, phara souffrant forrest's "fair share act" is a genius move 
2% surcharge = $4 billion in new revenue, no brainer 
Distracted cat meme ]
Business groups: "We're all gonna move to Florida" 
. I mean, with Zohran Mamdani's win as mayor, they've got momentum on their side. They're proposing some solid ideas too, like taxing high earners to fund universal child care and free public transportation 
. I'm all for that! It's about time we prioritize our communities over corporate profits. I hope Governor Hochul comes around to seeing the benefits of these policies 
. Let's keep pushing forward with progressive policies and make New York an even better place! 
. and what's with the tax hike? are they trying to make rich people run away from NY? 
. and the DSA-aligned lawmakers are just so... coordinated 
. like they're following some master plan or something 
. i need more info on this 
.
.
And it's cool that they're looking at taxing high earners to fund these priorities. It's about time we reevaluate how we distribute wealth in this country 
. And let's not forget, this is all based on the idea that we can just magically raise $4 billion from these high earners... how about we focus on getting our budget under control first? 
& I'm listening... To the voices of lawmakers like Jabari Brisport, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Sarahana Shrestha, Emily Gallagher, and others pushing for progressive policies that benefit all New Yorkers. 
The emphasis on mobilizing grassroots support through door-to-door campaigns could also contribute to their success. 
but governor hochul seems skeptical, and business groups are worried about driving wealthy folks away... still, i think it's awesome that the DSA-aligned lawmakers are mobilizing grassroots support 
door-to-door campaigns can be super effective in getting people on board. let's see how this all plays out 
anyway i think its cool that NYC is trying to use mamdani's win to push for some actual change. like lets raise taxes on people who can afford it instead of the poor? 