New York's Progressive Lawmakers Ready to Push for Major Changes in Upcoming Session
The surge in popularity of socialist ideas after Zohran Mamdani's surprise election as the mayor of New York City has inspired a group of lawmakers in the state Legislature to capitalize on the momentum. With one fewer member due to Mamdani's departure from the Assembly, the remaining eight lawmakers are determined to make their mark.
According to state Sen. Jabari Brisport of Brooklyn, "the whole movement is locking in" and there's a feeling that they can push for significant changes. The focus on taxing the rich and implementing universal child care has been a long-standing goal, but with Mamdani's campaign promises now backed by a mayor, the lawmakers are optimistic about their prospects.
The group of lawmakers, all part of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), aim to raise billions of dollars in new revenue through tax measures. The "Fair Share Act" proposed by Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest would impose a 2% surcharge on individuals making over $1 million in income annually, generating an estimated $4 billion in annual revenue.
While previous attempts to tax wealthy New Yorkers have been met with resistance from the governor and business groups, recent signs suggest that Hochul may be open to increasing the state's corporate tax rate. However, a universal child care program remains a key goal, with Mamdani making free child care a central promise during his campaign.
The lawmakers are aware of the challenges ahead but remain committed to their cause. As Brisport noted, "the need for child care is in the billions," and increasing taxes on high earners and corporations is seen as the only viable solution to fund this essential program.
Mamdani's campaign volunteers have pledged to continue mobilizing support from New Yorkers to pressure lawmakers and the governor to take action. Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, who represents a district in the mid-Hudson Valley, notes that her area has been highly supportive of progressive policies since her election in 2022, and she sees Mamdani's success as proof that the DSA's message can resonate across the state.
As the lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session, it remains to be seen how much traction they will get for their proposals. However, with renewed momentum behind them, they're determined to make a significant impact on issues such as affordable child care and corporate taxation.
The surge in popularity of socialist ideas after Zohran Mamdani's surprise election as the mayor of New York City has inspired a group of lawmakers in the state Legislature to capitalize on the momentum. With one fewer member due to Mamdani's departure from the Assembly, the remaining eight lawmakers are determined to make their mark.
According to state Sen. Jabari Brisport of Brooklyn, "the whole movement is locking in" and there's a feeling that they can push for significant changes. The focus on taxing the rich and implementing universal child care has been a long-standing goal, but with Mamdani's campaign promises now backed by a mayor, the lawmakers are optimistic about their prospects.
The group of lawmakers, all part of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), aim to raise billions of dollars in new revenue through tax measures. The "Fair Share Act" proposed by Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest would impose a 2% surcharge on individuals making over $1 million in income annually, generating an estimated $4 billion in annual revenue.
While previous attempts to tax wealthy New Yorkers have been met with resistance from the governor and business groups, recent signs suggest that Hochul may be open to increasing the state's corporate tax rate. However, a universal child care program remains a key goal, with Mamdani making free child care a central promise during his campaign.
The lawmakers are aware of the challenges ahead but remain committed to their cause. As Brisport noted, "the need for child care is in the billions," and increasing taxes on high earners and corporations is seen as the only viable solution to fund this essential program.
Mamdani's campaign volunteers have pledged to continue mobilizing support from New Yorkers to pressure lawmakers and the governor to take action. Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, who represents a district in the mid-Hudson Valley, notes that her area has been highly supportive of progressive policies since her election in 2022, and she sees Mamdani's success as proof that the DSA's message can resonate across the state.
As the lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session, it remains to be seen how much traction they will get for their proposals. However, with renewed momentum behind them, they're determined to make a significant impact on issues such as affordable child care and corporate taxation.
Just thinkin' about this... taxin' the rich isn't always a bad thing, but is it fair? I mean, if you're makin' over $1 million, that's some serious cash 
. But at the same time, child care is like, super important 
. My little sis has been strugglin' to find affordable daycare in our neighborhood, so I feel like this universal program could be a game changer for families 
.
. If he's open to increasin' corporate taxes, that's one thing... but if not, it might get real interesting 
. Maybe we'll see some pushback from business groups, but if the people are behind it, I think they can make it happen 
.
It's like they're trying to torture us with caffeine withdrawal at the worst possible times. Anyway, back to NYC... I wonder if those lawmakers will actually make any progress on their proposals 
. I love that they're focusing on taxing the rich and implementing universal child care - it's like, a no-brainer 
.
. The fact that Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha sees her district being super supportive of progressive policies since she was elected in 2022 is like, proof that this movement can work 
.
. Who knows, maybe we'll see some major changes in the upcoming session? 
and i'm low-key hyped!!! i mean i've been following the democratic socialist movement for a while now and it's crazy to see them making waves in politics 
i love how they're pushing for major changes like taxing the rich and universal child care 
anyone else think that's a game changer? 
btw i'm thinking of volunteering with mamdani's campaign next year 
! Zohran Mamdani's election made everyone go 
and now they wanna tax the rich 
. The Fair Share Act could raise billions 
gotta see how Hochul reacts 
and more 
The fact that NYC's progressive lawmakers are feeling empowered after Zohran Mamdani's win is giving me hope for the future. I mean, it's not just about taxing the rich and implementing universal childcare (although that sounds like a total game-changer to me!). It's about creating a more equitable society where everyone has access to quality education and healthcare. 
. Zohran Mamdani's election was a game-changer (no pun intended) and now these lawmakers are riding that wave 
. I'm keeping an eye on this development and I'll be cheering them on from the sidelines 
.
. And with Hochul possibly being open to increasing corporate taxes 
️. But let's be real, there are still gonna be some major pushback from business groups 
. Still, I'm rooting for these DSA lawmakers to make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers 
, especially with free child care for all 
. I'm loving the whole DSA vibe 
& now its everyone els turn 2 step up their game 
& those gov reps r prob still gonna be all "no way" 
! fingers crossed for affordable child care & fair taxation