Gov. Kathy Hochul's $260 billion budget proposal does not include any new taxes on the rich — and Mayor Zohran Mamdani's grassroots army is trying to change that.
Hundreds of canvassers are knocking on doors, urging people to push the governor and state lawmakers to tax the wealthy to fund free universal child care. While not officially affiliated with Mamdani, the volunteers with the nonprofit Our Time are a sign that the mayor’s supporters aim to utilize the grassroots energy that got him elected.
“We got a big win on child care from Zohran and Kathy Hochul on day eight of his term, which is awesome,” said former Mamdani-turned-Our Time volunteer Paul Andrews. The 28-year-old summed up the group’s overall attitude by adding, “ But that's not it. We're not done yet. So just again, keep it going.”
Gothamist joined a group of more than 15 Our Time canvassers in Washington Heights on a recent Sunday, just days after Hochul joined Mamdani in New York City to announce the state would fund the first two years of the city’s expanded child care program. The money will cover the costs to ensure all 3-year-olds have a seat and launch the first phase of a new program serving 2-year-olds.
Our Time volunteers are knocking on doors and handing out postcards, emblazoned in the same color palette as the Mamdani campaign, that urge supporters to send a letter to their state lawmakers demanding that they tax the rich. The group is working in partnership with the New York City Democratic Socialists of America’s Tax the Rich Campaign.
“Tell you legislators and Gov. Hochul: tax the rich to fund child care for all!” the card reads, next to an arrow pointing to a QR code that one can scan to digitally sign a letter that will be sent to state elected officials. The group has collected 5,232 letters citywide, as of Wednesday. Their goal is 25,000 by the end of the month.
A leaderboard on Our Time website tracks the canvassers who have sent the most letters with the message.
The group is also leading similar outreach campaigns with other partner organizations to freeze the rent and win free buses.
Organizer Daniel Contreras, 45, offered pointed advice to the eager troops, many of whom wore merch with Mamdani or NYC-DSA logos.
“You can either mention Our Time or say that you were a volunteer with Zohran, just whatever is most fluent and easy for you,” Contreras said. “We don’t want to confuse people at the door.”
One volunteer asked how to respond if someone asks about the relationship between Our Time and DSA.
“Just bring it back to the issue. Bring it back to why you’re there. You’re here for universal child care, not to debate the merits of socialism, communism, capitalism,” said Contreras.
He reminded volunteers about canvassing etiquette: “Be kind, smile, no fighting with anybody.”
Another volunteer said it was important to make sure door knockers explain the connection between the letters and winning state legislators’ support for new taxes. Contreras agreed.
“That’s precisely what we’re trying to do. Put pressure on local electeds to stand with Zohran and the governor to make sure this gets passed,” Contreras said. “And to do that we have to show them that the community is on board and we have thousands and thousands of constituents writing in, calling in, doing this, saying this is a priority.”
Hochul said she’s heard this message from Mamdani. The mayor’s statement on her budget proposal reiterated his stance.
“It is time to ask New York City’s wealthiest and large corporations to pay their fair share, while also working toward a fiscal relationship with the state that better reflects New York City’s status as the economic engine of the state,” Mamdani said.
But so far, the governor is not yet giving any ground.
“ I know he is calling for a tax increase. I've heard that. I don't have a response,” Hochul said.
Jimmy Vielkind contributed reporting.
Ballot Box
This week we're wondering: Mayor Mamdani has received criticism for not appointing a Black deputy mayor. Are you concerned about the diversity of his administration?
Last week we asked: Should the state tax the rich to pay for Mayor Mamdani’s affordability agenda?
“Yes. Too many people are unable to afford living here. The spectacularly wealthy should be doing their fair share to keep New York a world-class city.”
- Linda, Manhattan
“No. New Yorkers are already one of the highest taxed states. Rich people should be encouraged to donate to causes benefiting the middle class and poor.”
- Bonnie, Manhattan
“Yes. What makes New York great is not rich people sitting in ivory towers. It's the whole glorious mix. If the rest of us can't afford to live here, pretty soon even the ivory towers won't look so enticing.”
- Tamara, Staten Island
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7 headlines
(1) Before he left office as New Jersey governor, Phil Murphy signed a bill to develop policies to protect immigrants at “sensitive locations,” such as schools, hospitals, courthouses and houses of worship. Here are two immigration bills he nixed.
(2) Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey governor on Tuesday and immediately delivered on one of her campaign promises. Here’s which one.
(3) Gov. Hochul introduced New York’s proposed $260 billion budget for the new fiscal year. Here’s what’s included.
(4) Mayor Mamdani on Monday said his administration would not oppose a controversial Bronx housing project that the Adams administration opposed. Here’s more on the project.
(5) Gov. Hochul may still have a sizable cash lead over her opponents, but her challengers say the state’s new public campaign finance system makes it easier for them to make their case. Here’s why.
(6) Mayor Mamdani has yet to announce his pick for correction commissioner as Rikers Island continues to deal with a disturbing pattern of death and dysfunction. Here’s what’s going on.
(7) Listen: What’s up with politicians using profanity more often when speaking with constituents? “The Brian Lehrer Show” discussed the trend with Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols. Listen here.
