Gov. Cuomo's tax-hike package -- according to him -- is an "extraordinary benefit to the state ... that the state desperately, desperately needs to help turn around this economy." E.J.'s been covering all the reasons why and turn around "this eco Read More
Just a few weeks ago, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was trying to get the “Occupy Albany” tent people arrested. This week, he hasn’t just caved to their main demand—he’s also begun to sound more like them. Read More
E.J. McMahon of the Empire Center on a segment of NY1's "Inside City Hall" last night. E.J. began by informing moderator Errol Lewis that Governor Cuomo's with the Legislature involves a significant tax increase, not a tax cut. Read More
Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have just announced a deal on a major increase in the state income tax rates compared to what is scheduled under current law — i.e., the official breaking of the Cuomo promise not to raise taxes. Read More
A 21st Century Rip Van Winkle, awakening after a two-year catnap, might assume based on this morning’s newspaper headlines that David Paterson had been elected governor in 2010. But after rubbing his eyes and donning his reading glasses, old Rip would discover that the governor now getting ready to execute an 180-degree turn on taxes — just as Paterson did in 2009 — is none other than Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Read More
Governor Cuomo’s tax-hike spin machine is in overdrive. The governor just issued an “op-ed” on tax reform that claims the state’s current income tax code “is just not fair,” implying strongly that filers with low-incomes pay taxes at the same rate as millionaires. Read More
, the Empire Center's senior fellow and frequent blogger on this site, discussed state tax issues Wednesday on YNN's "Capital Tonight" program with Liz Benjamin. Also appearing was Michael Kink, a leading advocate of higher taxes. . Read More
Without discussing details, Governor Cuomo did not flatly contradict or deny aWall Street Journal report that he is considering some sort of personal income tax “overhaul” that would combine a middle class tax cut with some sort of increase in tax rates for upper-income households. Read More
Governor Cuomo may seek to extend higher state income tax rates in top brackets under the guise of a tax reform or restructuring that might also involve a tax break for middle class, according to a report in today’s Wall Street Journal. Read More
The Cuomo administration reportedly is talking with labor leaders about tapping public and private pension funds to help pay for state infrastructure projects, including a multi-billion-dollar replacement for the Tappan Zee Bridge... Read More
The Times ran a on Mayor Bloomberg's plan to develop the Far West Side of Manhattan. The story doesn't mention how drastically City Hall has had to change its financial estimates -- and make actual taxpayer-cash outlays -- for the projec Read More