TLDR: Do you support funding long-term Universal Childcare in New York State by raising taxes on ultra-wealthy individuals and highly profitable corporations?

Details: New York is home to the highest concentration of wealth yet also the largest income inequality across the nation. Under the current tax system, the wealthiest individuals contribute roughly the same share of their income in state and local taxes as the bottom 40 percent of earners. High childcare costs are pushing families out of the state and limiting economic growth. By supporting universal access to childcare, New Yorkers can gain relief from those cost burdens, participate in the workforce, and strengthen early childhood development. DSA’s plan indicates $21 billion annually total will be raised, while implementing fully universal and free childcare would only cost an estimated $12.7 billion annually.

The three tax bills this campaign supports:

• Progressive State Income Tax Bill (S.1622-Jackson/A.1281-Meeks). Right now, someone who makes $215,000 pays the same state income rate as someone who makes $1 million; a New Yorker making $5 million will pay the same rate as someone who makes $25 million. This bill creates new brackets starting at so that as people earn millions more dollars in income, they pay a slightly higher share in taxes. This proposal would raise over $10 billion annually.

• “Fair Share Act” (S.8577-Liu/A.8953-Souffrant Forrest) - Currently, New York City charges essentially a flat income tax on its residents. If you earn $50,000 or $5 million, you pay practically the same tax rate of roughly 3.9%. By adding a 2% surcharge to those with incomes over $1m per year. This could raise $4 billion.

• Corporate Tax on the Most Profitable Corporations (S.953-Hoylman/ A.1971-Kelles, Shrestha). Corporations pay less in taxes now than they did in the 1990s. The corporate tax bill ensures companies doing business in our state with over $2.5 million in profits pay what they owe in taxes. This proposal would raise $7 billion annually.

The bill that funds universal child care:

• Universal Child Care Act (S.3415A-Brisport/ A.5899-Hevesi). The universal child care bill would ensure free, year-round, full day child care, without means-testing and guarantee that all child care workers are paid a genuine living wage.

Sign this petition to support this cause and encourage senator Lea Webb to support this legislation.