Overview
- New York City DSA and allied groups rallied in Union Square to demand “tax the rich” measures, as lawmakers introduced a bill to let the city add a 2% surcharge on income over $1 million that sponsors say could raise up to $4 billion.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul, who endorsed Zohran Mamdani, has resisted raising personal or corporate tax rates and opposes diverting MTA funds for free buses, though sources say a corporate hike has not been ruled out if a budget gap requires it.
- Lina Khan, cochairing Mamdani’s transition, said the mayor has stand‑alone authority over certain agencies and can deploy the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to sue corporate lawbreakers.
- Mamdani’s transition reported roughly $1 million raised in 10 days from more than 12,000 donors, with an average contribution of $77, underscoring rapid grassroots backing.
- Debate over the incoming administration widened as Jewish community leaders published contrasting op-eds on safety and engagement, and Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik cast Hochul as enabling Mamdani’s agenda while pressing her own gubernatorial bid.