Liberal pols, DSA warn Gov. Kathy Hochul to back Zohran Mamdani's agenda - or get booted from office: 'Third strike, you're out!'

"The Democratic Socialists of America - empowered and gaining mainstream influence after Mamdani's win in the mayoral election this month - held a "Tax the Rich" rally in Union Square Sunday as Democratic state lawmakers warm to the tax increases over worries they could face primaries and the wrath of liberals in next year's elections. DSA member and Brooklyn state Sen. Jibari Brisport told those gathered that he twice tried to work with Hochul on passing universal childcare legislation, only to get rebuffed."

"Mamdani wants the state government to increase taxes on the wealthy and up the corporate tax to pay for his agenda, which includes free universal child care and bus service and a ramping of housing construction. Hochul endorsed the democratic socialist in the general election, but has said she would hold the line on taxes - a stance that immediately puts her at odds with Mamdani and his energized supporters."

""Kathy Hochul, if you get a third strike, you're out!" Brisport said to whoops and applause at the rally. Brisport said, "There's no way to get universal child care without raising taxes on the rich," and that Hochul has to cooperate. "So if she [Hochul] does sabotage it and blocks it then I think the plan is that she has to go," Brisport said."

Governor Kathy Hochul faces mounting pressure from progressive activists to support Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's proposed tax hikes on wealthy individuals and corporations. The Democratic Socialists of America held a "Tax the Rich" rally, highlighting lawmakers' growing openness to tax increases amid fears of primary challenges. State Sen. Jibari Brisport described prior rebuffed attempts to work with Hochul on universal childcare and demanded cooperation, warning the governor could be ousted if she blocks the plans. Mamdani seeks tax increases to fund free universal child care, bus service expansion, and accelerated housing construction, while Hochul has pledged to hold the line on taxes.

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