DENIS HUGHES: KEEP FAIR SHARE TAX REFORM IN PLACE; NEW YORK STATE NEEDS THE REVENUE

Albany, N.Y.-- The New York State AFL-CIO is strongly supporting the retention of the so-called “millionaires’ tax.”  The likelihood of retaining this tax will probably require a lot more public opinion pressure to produce the inevitable conclusion that the amount of revenue produced is both a critical necessity and a fair alternative to other fiscal choices.

As the budget process unfolds, it is clear that a jobs program as conceived by tax cutting proponents, means business tax cuts. What, however, replaces the child care programs that are being clipped, or the job training programs that are virtually gone if this budget as proposed goes forward as is?


NYS AFL-CIO President
Denis Hughes

Legislators are certainly aware that the budget as presented will do little to create jobs, that in fact, job creation is really beyond the capacity of government, and beyond the desire of any business group-- certainly far beyond the desire of the groups pouring money into the anti-labor campaign now being waged against ordinary people.

There is some hope that we will begin to see a more open debate emerge as days go by. Already, some among the Senate majority are beginning to call for a version of the millionaires’ tax that might represent the beginning of common sense compromise in the budget debate.

Capitol news outlets have discussed the probability of the unrenewed millionaires’ tax spinning up a windfall for New Jersey as their commuter class lose the New York deduction, and are forced to file under the previously uncollectable New Jersey levy.

Denis Hughes, President, NYS AFL-CIO



End Millionaire Bailouts
The Rochester area labor community supports extending the tax to higher
income earners who make more than $200,000 annually.
In the photo above taken March 2 at a rally on the steps of City Hall,
PEF members join other unions in a show of solidarity.
(photo:  Ove Overmyer)