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Thousands Rally in Albany to Back Tax Hikes Starting at $500,000

The union-backed push lands just before budget talks, with Gov. Kathy Hochul rejecting new state income taxes.

Overview

  • More than 1,500 advocates, many bussed from New York City by the DSA and allied groups, marched to the Capitol to press lawmakers.
  • The Jackson–Meeks bill would raise state rates for joint filers over $500,000 and single filers over $450,000, with a top marginal rate of 24% on the highest incomes.
  • Major labor and progressive groups, including the UFT, NYSUT affiliates, 1199 SEIU, the CWA and the Working Families Party, publicly supported the rally.
  • Hochul’s budget director reiterated the governor’s opposition to higher income taxes, even as legislative leaders signaled they will again propose revenue raisers.
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced support for the campaign and has threatened a 9.5% New York City property-tax increase without state action, drawing warnings from critics about outmigration and effects on households below the millionaire level.