The debate about raising taxes as part of the New York budget will be a test of how far Democrats will go in state law to take on their fellow party member, Governor Andrew Cuomo.
After last year’s elections, Democrats have a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate – enough to override a governmental veto. Proponents of raising taxes are forcing regular lawmakers to flex their muscles during the budget process, which will dominate the Capitol until the next fiscal year beginning April 1.
Mr. Cuomo proposed a $ 193 billion spending plan that includes $ 1.5 billion by imposing taxes on people reporting $ 5 million or more in annual income. But one breath after describing the plan, he was concerned about the potential negative consequences if wealthy people leave the state. Mr. Cuomo said the plan could be avoided if the US Congress approves more support for the state.
Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat from Yonkers, said last week she would push for a tax increase regardless of the amount of federal funding. Meeting Chairman Carl Heastie, a Democrat from the Bronx, has previously voted to approve tax increases and has unsuccessfully pushed for rates to increase in December.
If neither side yields, the result could be the first bicameral right of veto during Mr. Cuomo’s three term in office.