The debate over tax increases as part of the New York budget appears to be a test of how far Democrats in the state legislature will face their party mate, Governor Andrew Cuomo.
After last year’s elections, Democrats have a two-thirds majority in the state legislature and the Senate – enough to override a government veto. Proponents of tax increases are pressuring ordinary lawmakers to flex their muscles during the budgetary process, which will dominate the Capitol until the next fiscal year begins on April 1.
Mr. Cuomo proposed a $ 193 billion spending plan that includes a $ 1.5 billion increase in taxes on people who report $ 5 million or more in annual income. But a breath after describing the plan, he was concerned about its potentially negative consequences if wealthy people leave the state. Cuomo said the plan could be avoided if the US Congress approves more aid to the state.
Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Yonkers Democrat, said last week that she would push for a tax hike, regardless of the amount of federal funding. Assembly President Carl Heastie, a Democrat from the Bronx, previously voted to approve tax increases and lobbied in vain to raise rates in December.
If neither side gives in, the result could be the first revocation of the bicameral veto during Cuomo’s three terms.