A top aide to Gov. Cuomo is questioning whether Mayor de Blasio wants to “tax just for taxing sake” by pushing for hikes on the rich to fund universal pre-K, when the state is ready to pick up the entire tab.
“The state is paying for what Mayor de Blasio wants. Why tax just for taxing sake?” Larry Schwartz, secretary to the governor and one of his closest confidants, asked Wednesday. “If the money is there, why raise taxes on anybody? The money is there.”
It was the strongest comment from Cuomo’s camp since Tuesday, when he offered to pay for statewide pre-kindergarten classes without hiking taxes — a deal instantly rejected by the mayor.
De Blasio argues that his huge election victory is a mandate to hike taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers, regardless of what he receives from Albany.
He also contended that his tax plan provides a more reliable revenue stream than Cuomo’s proposal.
Schwartz dismissed that assessment as filled with “fallacies.”
He said any tax increase could be modified or repealed, which is precisely what happened when the MTA payroll tax was partially rolled back in 2011.
“There is no guarantee. What’s going to happen after five years?” Schwartz asked during an appearance on WNYC radio.
Cuomo, who is up for re-election this year, offered to put up more than $2.2 billion over five years, including $1.5 billion for pre-K and $720 million for after-school programs around the state.
De Blasio’s tax hit on the rich would generate more than $2.5 billion for the city alone.
In refuting the mayor, Schwartz also undercut Hizzoner’s signature campaign pledge to try to end income inequality.
“It’s not about income inequality,” Schwartz declared. “It’s about equal opportunity….It’s about providing equality of opportunity for everybody.”
De Blasio stood his ground.
“While we commend the governor for his proposal, we continue to believe that the fairest way to secure a dedicated, full five years of funding that is not subject to the whims of Albany politics is a modest tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers,” said mayoral spokesperson Marti Adams.
Teachers-union President Mike Mulgrew issued a statement Wednesday night siding with de Blasio.
“The UFT applauds Governor. Cuomo for investing in all-day, high-quality pre-K,” he said. “[But] for New York City, we still need a dedicated funding stream — the tax — to make sure every child has access to all-day pre-K.”
The state Senate Democratic Caucus ducked choosing between the mayor and governor.
“We are fully supportive of universal pre-K on the state level and understand the concern for a dedicated and sustained revenue stream,” said Mike Murphy, a spokesman for Senate Democrats.
Some influential lawmakers stuck with de Blasio.
The question is with the state projections, will it be enough money to cover New York City, and right now it seems like that’s not the case.