Local groups rally to say "No!" to Gov. Cuomo's proposed tax cuts for wealthy

Point to NY's worst-in-the-nation income inequality as need for investment, not tax benefits for rich

ALBANY, NY (02/21/2014)(readMedia)-- NY Inequality, a coalition of labor, faith, education and community organizations, will rally Monday Feb. 24 at noon at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Downtown Albany to say "No!" to Gov. Cuomo's plan to give billions of dollars in tax cut giveaways to banks and the wealthiest New Yorkers while schools and communities suffer under austerity budgets and continuing layoffs.

The event is part of a statewide pushback against bad budget priorities that will undermine people, services and communities, and widen New York's income inequality gap even further. Similar events were held last week in the Bronx, Binghamton and Rochester and others are planned for Utica and the Hudson Valley.

The groups are opposed to planned tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the rich, including a windfall for wealthy estates, a so-called property tax "freeze," and tax cuts for banks. All tolled, the tax cuts will cost ordinary New Yorkers some $2 billion.

Participants pledge to mobilize their members to contact local legislators, urging them to oppose the tax cuts and support a budget that works for people and communities. Speakers will highlight stories from area residents about how New York's growing inequality is harming this community.

WHEN: Monday, February 24 at Noon

WHERE: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street, Albany

WHO: AFSCME, AQE, Citizen Action of NY, Labor Religion Coalition, New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness, CSEA, NYSUT, NY Working Families Party, A Strong Economy for All, the AFL-CIO and the Human Services Coalition.

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