Senator Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, both Democrats, appear to be on the same page when it comes to raising taxes. They both see the challenge this year as more than simply a way to close a budget shortfall. Instead, it appears they want to begin addressing long-standing injustices in the system.

“We have an opportunity to reset. We don’t want to build on inequities. That won’t get us to where we need to go,” said Stewart-Cousins. “We need to take a look at where we can do better and where we can invest more. And we need to make sure that, as we build back, that we build back an equitable and just society.” 

When asked if she would raise taxes on the very wealthy regardless of how much federal relief money is sent to New York, Stewart-Cousins said yes.

“Yes, I think that that is clear. That we believe that we are in a position where, again, we have an amazing opportunity here to make sure that we do have a progressive tax structure,” she told Capital Tonight. “And yes, we will be looking at those who are millionaires and billionaires, who are in a position to be helpful.”

Stewart-Cousins wants the wealthy to view the current situation as an opportunity to assist those less fortunate rather than a burden. She also noted that many in the upper-most tax brackets have only seen their wealth grow during the pandemic.

“We are looking for opportunities for people to help as we get out of this hole, and obviously those who can do more will be expected to do more,” she said.

Like Governor Andrew Cuomo, the majority leader is optimistic that the federal government will come to the state’s aid with a large relief package.  But she is also hopeful that Congress is willing to close some of the loopholes that allow wealthy individuals and corporations to skirt tax obligations.

“The national government has to look at it like this as well. President-elect Biden stood on that stage with now former President Trump and talked about the fact that Trump had paid $700 (in taxes). And Trump looked at Biden and said, ‘well that’s because you created that scenario,’” Stewart-Cousins said, referencing an exchange between the two men. “The national landscape has to change as well in terms of being progressive on taxation.”

The state budget is due on April 1. According to reporting from reporter Nick Reisman, a federal relief bill will likely not pass until March.