In response to budget director Blake Washington's comments, reported this morning in Politico Playbook, that additional revenue should mute calls for increased taxes, the Invest in Our New York campaign issued the below statement criticizing Washington and the Hochul administration for hiding behind a short-term surplus to avoid its responsibility to fund important programs in the long term.
Statement from Invest in Our New York campaign manager Carolyn Martinez-Class:
"The Hochul administration talks out of both sides of their mouth. While the Budget Director claims New York cannot maintain its commitment to fully fund our public schools, he also claims that raising new, sustainable, progressive revenue is unnecessary. Even though the consensus meeting resulted in an additional $1.3 billion, the administration clearly continues to shirk its responsibility to ensure the state’s long-term fiscal health by hiding behind short-term budget surpluses. This is despite their own fiscal projections showing deficits for years to come. If we are going to close the economic equity gap and meaningfully address the affordability crisis, we need recurring, sustainable revenue streams funded by those who can most afford it ––the ultra-rich. New public funds will ensure we can fully invest in healthcare, education, and other vital services over the long haul."
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