Governor Andrew Cuomo and NY Legislature: Pass the Invest in Our New York Act (IONY). It’s time for wealthy New Yorkers to pay their fair share after decades of reaping unfathomable wealth.
Since the pandemic began, millions of New Yorkers — primarily working-class, poor, and and Black and brown folks — have lost jobs, lost healthcare, faced eviction, or struggled to put food on the table all while New Yorker’s 120 billionaires have grown $77 billion richer. This rampant inequity isn’t new. Decades of disinvestment have made New York the most unequal state in the country.
The Governor’s recent proposals to help New Yorkers are insufficient, temporary, and outrageous. Now is not the time to propose more cuts to Medicaid and Education! It is unacceptable to suggest that we pin our hopes on a federal COVID-19 relief package.
Our Jewish and progressive values tell us that we must advocate for those among us being harmed by immoral austerity budgets. As members of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Long Island and Riverdale, we rise with the Invest in our New York Coalition to demand Governor Cuomo and the New York State legislature pass the IONY Act, which will:
- Raise $50 billion in new revenue by ending tax breaks for the wealthiest New Yorkers.
- Prevent cuts to public programs and invest in high quality education, jobs, housing, healthcare and more.
- Ensure revenue benefits the most vulnerable communities, including low-income New Yorkers, communities of color, workers excluded from federal unemployment and essential workers.
- Create a permanent, more equitable tax system so that higher earning New Yorkers and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
Our Jewish values stand on the principle that those who benefit the most from society have the greatest obligation to support the community. It is past time for a fair, progressive tax system in New York State. Add your name to demand a more just, equitable New York.