New York, New York – Citizen Action of New York is thrilled that Councilmember Crystal Hudson introduced a resolution in support of the Invest in Our New York Act — a suite of widely popular policies designed to ensure the ultra-wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share so lawmakers can fund the things everyday New Yorkers need with the newly generated public dollars: homes they can afford, childcare that doesn’t break the bank, and schools that actually have the resources to help our children thrive.
“I’ve seen firsthand how underfunded schools and housing insecurity impact our communities. The Invest in Our New York Act represents hope and a real solution,” said Jamell Henderson, NYC Regional Council Chair, Citizen Action of New York. “The introduction of this resolution signals that the New York City Council is ready to address the inequality that’s been crushing everyday New Yorkers for far too long. Governor Hochul and legislative leadership must work together to unrig New York’s tax structures that benefit the super-wealthy over the many. We shouldn’t have to wait one more day for the resources and support we deserve.”
“Time and time again, our communities tell us how underfunded programs and institutions directly jeopardize their livelihood and threaten their well-being and stability,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson (District 35). “From supporting better resourced schools to preserving high-quality public housing, greater public investment will provide equity for our most marginalized communities. But there’s only one way to make that happen — urging our colleagues in Albany to ensure the wealthiest of the wealthiest New Yorkers and the biggest corporations finally pay their fair share in taxes. The Invest in Our New York Act does just this. I will work with the Council to pass this resolution and ensure the City Council continues its legacy of investing in the institutions that support everyday New Yorkers. I thank Citizen Action of New York for its leadership on this issue and will fight alongside them to pass these crucial bills in Albany this session.”
The resolution comes at a critical time for New York City. In the past year alone, New Yorkers have seen libraries cutting hours, schools laying off teachers and guidance counselors, and crucial accessibility upgrades to subways being paused. These cuts are the direct result of years of policies that have allowed millionaires and billionaires to hoard their wealth while essential public services remain underfunded.
The Invest in Our New York Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to reform New York’s tax system and reverse decades of underinvestment in the services that working families across New York rely on.
In 2021, Invest in Our New York (IONY) led the charge to raise taxes on millionaires and billionaires and secured over $10 billion in new recurring public funds. Those dollars went to increasing funding for our public schools, keeping people housed during the pandemic, and expanding access to unemployment benefits for working-class New Yorkers.