There are many Democrats who are concerned about new tax proposals that Governor Hochul of New York has introduced. Fox News reports that MTA payroll levy and override of local zoning laws concern in particular for Democrats on Long Island who are concerned that it might cost them their seats.
Part of her MTA package relies on increasing payroll taxes on city-area employers to raise $800 million annually. This is intended to make up for the difference between the declining rider rates on the MTA system and the fact that many revenues were wiped out because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The other issue that drew some scrutiny is that the Governor is looking to allow a state panel to override local zoning decisions if those localities don't meet specific state housing goals.
March 01, 2023
Democrat State Sens. Kevin Thomas of Levittown and Monica Martinez of Brentwood both said that they feel that localities ought to decide on the local zoning laws, and none of this should be left up to the state government. Thus, the party has a riff over these proposals.
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Long Island, Democratic Assemblymember Fred Thiele of Sag Habor spoke with Fox News Digital about the impact these types of taxes could have on Democrats in the area. He said that these taxes could be "extinction-level events." Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul's office for comment but has yet to hear back in time to take this story to press. Earlier this month, she revealed her $227 billion state budget and warned about more challenging economic times.
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Her wide-ranging plan includes a public college tuition hike, a 10% jump in school aid, and more.
The Governor said the following during her budget presentation: "The New York City economy drives the state of New York, MTA helps drive the New York City economy. So, it's critically important to all of us."
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The spending plan includes many things mentioned during the Democrat Governor's State of the State Address. This includes $1 billion to provide psychiatric beds and services for people with mental illnesses and a plan to create 800,000 new homes.
Democrats have until mid-March to decide if they will take up the various budget proposals proposed by the governor. It seems like it might be a tough decision for many Democrats.
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