Watch Senator Gonzalez and AM Moreno’s full speech here.

The Bronx, NY – Yesterday, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-59) spoke at a Bronx Rally to call on the state legislature and Governor Hochul to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Senator Gonzalez spoke on her legislation, the Corporate Fair Share Act (S9189A) with Assembly Member Diana Moreno, to allow New York City to increase its corporate tax rate amid a shortfall in the city budget.

Senator Gonzalez, a Democratic socialist, joined Senator Bernie Sanders and various community organizations to demand revenue-raising legislation at a time when New York City and State are confronting cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and other programs from the federal government. 

“Now is the time to choose between fascism and freedom, between poverty and prosperity. Now is the time to stand up to the billionaire class. Now is the time for all of us to fight and win a New York that works for working people. Now is the time to tax the rich,” said Senator Gonzalez and Assemblymember Moreno during their joint speech.

Recent surveys show that a majority of New Yorkers and adults across the country support taxing the wealthy in order to afford basic services. A Sienna poll from March found that 54% of New York voters want Governor Hochul and the legislature to tax the rich, and a survey from the Pew Research Center showed 63% ofAmericans support increasing tax rates on large businesses and corporations.

New York relies on taxes to function– S9189A, as described at the March 29 rally, would enable New York City to increase taxes on corporations to strengthen local revenue, address affordability challenges, and support essential public services.  

The Tax the Rich rally was organized and co-hosted by the NYC Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA), the New York Working Families Party, the Invest In Our NY Coalition, PSC-CUNY, NYSNA, DRUM NYC, JFREJ, Our Time, NY Communities for Change, and UAW Region 9A, and held at Lehman College in the Bronx. 

Media Contact: Kat Deus Veloso | veloso@nysenate.gov