The Great Taxpayer Exodus: Cuomo’s $2.3B Problem
THE ISSUE: News that state income tax revenues are on track to fall $2.3 billion short of expectations.
The projected fiscal crisis (which is not unexpected) and the drop in tax revenues is not the result of the federal tax cuts and SALT limitations, since New York state decoupled itemized deductions from the federal return (“$2.3B tax shortfall in state budget ‘shock,’ ” Feb. 5).
Gov. Cuomo can blame President Trump all he wants, but the simple truth is that taxes are too damn high, and those who can flee New York are doing so — including retirees and middle-class taxpayers. There are no simple solutions, but our governor and mayor should stop posturing and try fiscal restraint with fewer giveaways. Alan Gellerman Flushing
Cuomo and other liberal state leaders see high earners fleeing to the taxfriendly South.
This population shift will continue unless these tax-and-spenders realize their squandering ways and the free-handout days that keep their voter base intact are over.
People on the public dole had better realize that they have to work for a living. Steven Scalici Staten Island
What did Cuomo think was going to happen?
Not only are the rich leaving in droves, but anyone who can afford to resettle out of New York is leaving. Not only retirees, but younger families who don’t want to be taxed to death.
Come visit. All my neighbors are former New Yorkers. JJ Levine Miami Beach, Fla.
Cuomo thinks he has problems now with the $2.3 billion shortfall: Wait till the queen from Queens, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, gets her way and taxes the rich 70 percent. Bob Zawadski Stamford, Conn.
Not too long ago, Cuomo didn’t want any conservatives living in his state. Now that they’re moving out and taking their money with them, he’s crying the blues.
Maybe he’ll be careful what he wishes for next time. Is an exit tax coming to New York? Armand Rose North Arlington, NJ
The Democrats have been preaching that the new tax code just helps the rich. That’s all we heard for a year.
Now Cuomo is admitting it hurts the rich, and that the 1 percent pay some 46 percent of the state’s personal taxes. Democrats’ lies are catching up to them. Patrick Hoban, Suffolk