New York's Socialist Lawmakers Pounce on Mamdani's Success, Vow to Push for Progressive Policies
The New York state Legislature is set to reconvene this week with a diminished socialist presence, following the departure of Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. However, his victory as Mayor of New York City has galvanized the remaining lawmakers in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), who now see an opportunity to make significant headway on their policies.
State Senator Jabari Brisport, a Brooklyn Democrat and ally of Mamdani's, believes that this session could be the perfect moment for the DSA-inclined lawmakers to seize key initiatives. "I can feel the whole movement locking in," he said, referring to the growing momentum behind taxing the rich and advocating for universal child care.
The group of eight lawmakers, collectively known as Albany's "socialists in office," has a long history of achieving legislative victories, including clean energy investments and raising the minimum wage. This session promises to be pivotal, with the DSA-backed lawmakers pushing for significant tax hikes on affluent New Yorkers and corporations.
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest's proposed "Fair Share Act" is one such measure, which would impose a 2% surcharge on individuals making over $1 million in income annually. Souffrant Forrest estimates that this bill could raise $4 billion in new annual revenue.
Governor Kathy Hochul's stance on taxing the wealthy has been a major obstacle to progressive policies in the past. However, recent signals suggest she may be open to increasing the state's corporate tax rate, which is seen as a key component of Mamdani's affordability agenda.
One pressing issue on the lawmakers' agenda is enacting a universal child care program. Mamdani made this promise a central tenet of his mayoral campaign, and Hochul pledged to make it a priority in her State of the State address last year. However, the socialist lawmakers acknowledge that implementing such a program will be a tough sell.
"We need to raise revenue," Brisport emphasized. "The need for child care is in the billions." The lawmakers are now mobilizing volunteers to organize grassroots campaigns and push their representatives to support tax hikes on high earners and corporations.
While New York City remains the epicenter of the DSA's influence, other lawmakers from across the state are also embracing progressive policies. Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, who represents a rural district in the mid-Hudson Valley, credits her own election victory with the DSA's messaging resonating beyond urban areas.
"None of that worked," she said, referring to the scare tactics employed by opponents of socialist and DSA affiliation. "We need all hands on deck."
As the new session unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Mamdani's success will translate into tangible policy wins for the DSA-inclined lawmakers. However, one thing is certain: this batch of New York State lawmakers is now more determined than ever to push their progressive agenda forward.
The New York state Legislature is set to reconvene this week with a diminished socialist presence, following the departure of Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. However, his victory as Mayor of New York City has galvanized the remaining lawmakers in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), who now see an opportunity to make significant headway on their policies.
State Senator Jabari Brisport, a Brooklyn Democrat and ally of Mamdani's, believes that this session could be the perfect moment for the DSA-inclined lawmakers to seize key initiatives. "I can feel the whole movement locking in," he said, referring to the growing momentum behind taxing the rich and advocating for universal child care.
The group of eight lawmakers, collectively known as Albany's "socialists in office," has a long history of achieving legislative victories, including clean energy investments and raising the minimum wage. This session promises to be pivotal, with the DSA-backed lawmakers pushing for significant tax hikes on affluent New Yorkers and corporations.
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest's proposed "Fair Share Act" is one such measure, which would impose a 2% surcharge on individuals making over $1 million in income annually. Souffrant Forrest estimates that this bill could raise $4 billion in new annual revenue.
Governor Kathy Hochul's stance on taxing the wealthy has been a major obstacle to progressive policies in the past. However, recent signals suggest she may be open to increasing the state's corporate tax rate, which is seen as a key component of Mamdani's affordability agenda.
One pressing issue on the lawmakers' agenda is enacting a universal child care program. Mamdani made this promise a central tenet of his mayoral campaign, and Hochul pledged to make it a priority in her State of the State address last year. However, the socialist lawmakers acknowledge that implementing such a program will be a tough sell.
"We need to raise revenue," Brisport emphasized. "The need for child care is in the billions." The lawmakers are now mobilizing volunteers to organize grassroots campaigns and push their representatives to support tax hikes on high earners and corporations.
While New York City remains the epicenter of the DSA's influence, other lawmakers from across the state are also embracing progressive policies. Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, who represents a rural district in the mid-Hudson Valley, credits her own election victory with the DSA's messaging resonating beyond urban areas.
"None of that worked," she said, referring to the scare tactics employed by opponents of socialist and DSA affiliation. "We need all hands on deck."
As the new session unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Mamdani's success will translate into tangible policy wins for the DSA-inclined lawmakers. However, one thing is certain: this batch of New York State lawmakers is now more determined than ever to push their progressive agenda forward.
I'm not saying I don't want universal child care either, 'cause who doesn't wanna see their kids happy and well-fed? But seriously, have you seen the prices of avocado toast in Brooklyn lately? You gotta wonder if they're even gonna cover the cost with a 2% surcharge...
. On one hand, I think it's awesome that they're pushing for progressive policies like taxing the rich and universal child care. Those are issues that really need attention. But on the other hand, it's also super ambitious and if they don't pull it off, it could be a disaster 
.
. And let's not forget that pushing for tax hikes and universal child care isn't going to be easy 
. I mean, we all know how politics works - it's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone agrees on something 
.
. It's infectious! And if they can actually make some progress, that would be awesome 
. But for now, let's just take it one step at a time and see how this all plays out 
.
but poorer 
, but making child care affordable for all will still be a huge challenge 
. Maybe they can get some bipartisan support? 
The child care issue is a tough nut to crack, but if these lawmakers can raise revenue and push it through, that's a huge win 
. It sounds like they're feeling pretty confident after one of their own became mayor 
.
. They're talking about raising taxes and stuff, which can be a big deal for people who are already feeling the pinch 
.
. It's like, will these politicians be able to make some real progress on their agenda? Only time will tell 
.