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ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo faced a breakfast revolt from three liberal Assembly Democrats yesterday as they challenged his plan to allow the multibillion-dollar “millionaire’s tax” expire at the end of the year.
The confrontation, which saw Cuomo firmly respond that he might shut down state government in a battle over the tax, took place at the Executive Mansion as the governor hosted 30 Assembly Democrats in an effort to win their support for a new budget eliminating a $10 billion deficit without new taxes or borrowing.
The challenge to Cuomo came from Catherine Nolan, Rory Lancman and Barbara Clark, all of Queens, who argued that vital health-care and education spending would be lost if the $4 billion-plus in annual revenues produced by the “millionaire’s tax” is allowed to expire at the end of the year.
“The members challenged him on his opposition to the tax; it was a very strong exchange with him,” said a witness.
“The governor said he understands that a majority of the people in the room — perhaps a significant majority — disagree with him, but that procrastination is not an option, just holding out is not an option,” the source continued.
Cuomo told the lawmakers he’s determined to pass a rare on-time budget, and won’t let a fight over the tax prevent it.
“He basically said, ‘I’m willing to shut down state government,’ ” the witness said.
“The governor said, ‘OK, go ahead and pass the tax, and then what?’ He said, ‘The Senate Republicans are against it and I’m against it, so then what is going to happen?’ ” said a second witness.
Cuomo’s confrontation with fellow Democrats was in sharp contrast to the at-times light-hearted “lovefest” he held at the Executive Mansion with GOP senators Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans approved constitutional amendments capping state spending increases at 2 percent a year and requiring a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to approve new taxes. But the measures have no chance of passing the Assembly.