"For a recovery that is just and equitable, one that both meets the moment and moves us forward, we need a Renewed Deal for New York. It seems that when the role of this Governor who has long obstructed progress on key issues is diminished, the deal we can get is strong, progressive, and while imperfect, represents a vital victory for New Yorkers.
"In a process driven by community advocates in partnership with bold legislators, Albany has delivered a budget that centers New Yorkers most harmed by the pandemic while raising revenue from the people who have profited throughout it. The excluded workers fund, the first of its kind in the nation, will help to alleviate the pain felt by New Yorkers barred from aid for the last year. Rent relief and homeowner aid will help to keep thousands of New Yorkers in their homes after a year of uncertainty. Grants and credits for small businesses will help to rebuild the backbone of our economy. And after years of defensiveness and delay, the state will fully fund Foundation Aid, a long overdue investment in our schools and students.
"Finally, after years of organizing and advocacy by a statewide coalition of working New Yorkers, new tax rates and tax brackets will raise crucial revenue from the wealthiest multimillionaires and billionaires in New York - a matter of civic responsibility to do what we can, with what we have, where we are. While there are more measures in the Invest in Our New York platform that we must continue to fight for, fairness fees that should be assessed, this is vital to creating a just recovery and just economy - we just needed political courage.
"This is a recovery budget, but the recovery from this pandemic, and the underlying crises that predated it, will take years. This budget cannot be a one-time document. It must be the start of a governing principle- one that is committed to addressing injustices and inequities, that recognizes the way forward is not austerity but investment, that embodies the courage and competence we need to renew New York. One that I will continue to fight for."