Subject:
Enacting State Revenue to Prevent Cuts
Message:
Dear Legislator,
As a constituent who is supportive of public education and health care, I am writing to ask for your support in ensuring that every student, from pre-k through higher education, has access to a
high-quality public education, and that all New Yorkers have access to social supports during this critical time. One way we can help to achieve this goal is to make sure that everyone is paying their fair share.
The 2021-22 executive budget includes cuts to programs such as expense-based aids for public schools, higher education and educator professional development. I believe these cuts are unnecessary and that New York has another option.
Accordingly, I ask that you support the passage of four revenue enhancers: a progressive income tax for those with incomes over $5 million; a pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in New York City; a tax on the wealth of billionaires; and a return to the state corporate tax levels of 2017.
The enactment of these common-sense proposals will help provide the resources required to properly fund our SUNY hospitals and health care systems, and ensure they have the funding and PPE they need to perform their critical missions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This additional revenue will also ensure that higher education at SUNY and CUNY remain accessible to all students and that these institutions are able to offer the courses and programs needed to help our students graduate on time and well prepared to enter the workforce.
Proper funding will help ensure that students are provided the support services, transportation and dedicated professionals who have assisted them during the COVID pandemic, without fear of cuts to vital services that they depend on. Additionally, we must continue to fund professional development as educators continue to teach in a hybrid environment of both in-person and remote learning.
The money generated from these new, stable, state revenue sources will help to fund our state and its social programs and provide our public schools, colleges and health care institutions with the resources they require to properly educate their students and treat those seeking care. Therefore, I urge you to co-sponsor these legislative initiatives and work with your leadership to bring these measures to the floor for a vote.
Thank you for your consideration of these important issues, and I would appreciate a reply to my email.
Sincerely,
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