1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

New Yorkers are demanding bold leadership — and that means taxing the ultra-wealthy. The revenue proposals advanced by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have struck a chord because they are simple, fair, and long overdue: ask the millionaires and billionaires to contribute more so that working families can afford to live here and the state can fund the services people rely on. Your hesitation to support meaningful tax increases on the very wealthy sends the wrong message. At a time of deep inequality, strained public services, and rising costs of living, standing with the ultra-rich instead of everyday New Yorkers reinforces the perception that Albany remains too closely aligned with corporate interests and big-money donors. If you want to be seen as the governor of the people — not just the governor of the wealthy — this is the moment to lead. There is a reason populist leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez continue to gain support. Voters are tired of half-measures and triangulation. They are tired of so-called centrism that protects concentrated wealth while asking working people to tighten their belts. The appetite for a more equitable economic system is real, and it is growing. New York is one of the wealthiest states in the nation. We are home to more millionaires and billionaires than almost anywhere else. Asking those at the very top to pay a slightly higher share is not radical — it is responsible governance. It would generate the revenue we need to strengthen public schools, expand healthcare access, invest in transit, build affordable housing, and support communities across the state. A genuine partnership between New York City and Albany, rooted in economic fairness, could transform this state. That requires courage and clarity. Governor Hochul, this is your opportunity to show that you stand with working families and not just with those who can write the biggest checks. Follow the will of the people. Embrace a tax-the-rich agenda. Help build a New York that works for everyone. Power should flow upward from the people — not downward from concentrated wealth.