Governor Andrew Cuomo’s speech to the Association of Black and Latino Legislators yesterday in Albany was drowned out by chants of “tax the rich,” led by City Councilman Charles Barron.
The group is upset about the governor’s plan to let the so-called “millionaires tax” expire in December.
They say the tax should be extended to offset some of the looming cuts to education and social service programs.
“I don’t believe in increasing taxes. I believe it’s counterproductive for the state. I believe more people will leave the state and you’ll have less revenue,” said the governor.
Earlier in the day, Reverend Al Sharpton challenged lawmakers to fight back against Governor Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed budget cuts.
Sharpton said unions are being unfairly blamed for budget deficits.
He urged lawmakers to push back against proposed teacher layoffs and pension reform.
“You get elected and act like your only job is to get re-elected,” said Sharpton. “As soon as you get in you’re worrying about how to get back in rather than how to do the job that people sent you up here for.”
Sharpton said the financial industry should make more sacrifices to help solve the state’s fiscal problems.
(Source: NY1)
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3 Responses
why is it when people like City Councilman Charles Barron disturb a speech they are allowed to stay , yet if you or myself would do the same thing , we would both be kicked out.
No. 1: (a) When were you ever kicked out of anything? (b) Perhaps Governor Cuomo thought it might do himself some good by suffering through a heckling chant?
Why is it a sin to be rich?