Cuomo says a tax rise is still 'on the table' in New York even with the $23.5 billion from Biden's COVID relief bill - as protesters call for the governor's resignation after a sixth woman accused him of harassment
Andrew Cuomo has said a tax rise is still 'on the table' in New York even with the $23.5 billion from Joe Biden's COVID relief bill.
The embattled governor - who was on Tuesday accused by a sixth woman of sexual harassment - told The New York Post Sunday: 'Tax increases are on the table...because you have damage to repair.'
There is a $14.5 billion budget deficit in New York state as a result of the pandemic, Fox Business reports.
Protesters had gathered outside the governor's office on Wednesday, calling on him to resign amid the growing number of women accusing him of sexual harassment and allegations his office manipulated nursing home COVID death data.
The House on Wednesday passed Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. It includes $350 billion earmarked for state and local governments.
Breaking down the figures, the New York state government will get around $12.7 billion; New York City will get $6.1 billion; the state's counties will get $3.9 billion; $825 million will go to the state's smaller cities, towns and villages.
But Cuomo told reporters Sunday: 'It's the difference between $12.5 billion and $15 billion, and don't get me wrong — $12.5 billion is very, very helpful.
'We needed $15 billion, in my opinion, so we do have a gap there, and tax increases are on the table.'
Andrew Cuomo has said a tax rise is still 'on the table' in New York even with the $23.5 billion from Joe Biden's COVID relief bill. The embattled governor - who was on Tuesday accused by a sixth woman of sexual harassment - told The New York Post Sunday: 'Tax increases are on the table...because you have damage to repair'
He said in a press conference Sunday: 'The federal government providing the federal relief is a major, major boost for this state.
'This does not mean this is going to be an easy budget. It means it is now a possible budget, not an easy budget.
'Why? You still have tremendous needs that COVID created. Rent needs, assistance needs, daycare needs, job and employment needs, so you have tremendous needs.
'Also, this budget is going to raise two big questions. It's going to raise the question of taxes, how much do you need to raise in tax revenue given the federal bill, and what are the smartest and best ways to raise revenue?'
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was back in New York on Sunday to promote what he said would be the plan's $100 billion impact on his home state.
'I say to beleaguered New Yorkers, help is on the way,' the Democrat said, detailing aid that he said would be headed to schools, small businesses, museums, restaurants, theaters and local governments.
'As majority leader I did all I could to make sure that New York was helped in every different aspect,' Schumer said.
Activist with VOCAL-NY block traffic on 3rd Ave. outside New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office, Wednesday in New York. The activists were demanding Cuomo's immediate resignation and a state budget that funds housing, health care and economic relief for everyday people
Protesters had gathered outside the governor's office on Wednesday, calling on him to resign amid the growing number of women accusing him of sexual harassment and allegations his office manipulated nursing home COVID death data
New York Police Officers arrest activists with VOCAL-NY after they blocked traffic on 3rd Ave
Several of those demonstrating outside his office in New York City were arrested Wednesday. Pictures show they held banners which read: 'Cuomo canceled New York'
The protest was organized by VOCAL-NY. They tweeted: 'We are here demanding his immediate resignation! And a NYS budget that funds housing, health care & economic relief for everyday ppl.' They added: 'Tax the rich: house the poor'
Several of those demonstrating outside Cuomo's office in New York City Wednesday were arrested.
Pictures show they also held banners which read: 'Cuomo canceled New York.'
The protest was organized by VOCAL-NY. They tweeted: 'We are here demanding his immediate resignation! And a NYS budget that funds housing, health care & economic relief for everyday ppl.'
They added: 'Tax the rich: house the poor.'
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the 220-211 vote result from the chair, prompting the bill's supporters to burst into applause. Just a single Democrat voted against it.
The House passed on Wednesday Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. It includes $350 billion earmarked for state and local governments
Biden will sign the bill on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at the White House.
Direct checks in the amount of $1,400 could begin distribution as early as next week after Biden signs the bill Friday.
Several Republicans denounced the legislation as a 'ram job' being forced through Congress by Democrats without any attempt at bipartisanship.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said during floor remarks on Wednesday that the legislation is a prime example of how 'socialism works' while claiming the bill only benefits those in 'the swamp'
Besides the direct payments and jobless-benefit extension, the measure has hundreds of billions for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, schools, state and local governments and ailing industries from airlines to concert halls.
Cuomo is under increasing pressure to resign after a sixth woman said the governor inappropriately touched her.
He also faces a federal investigation into claims of a cover up of the true COVID-19 death toll in nursing homes and an independent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment by former aides.
Saying he was 'not aware' of the new accusation, Cuomo repeated that he would await the results of an independent investigation into the allegations, overseen by the state Attorney General Letitia James.
'Let the investigation get the facts and we'll take it from there,' Cuomo said during a telephone briefing called shortly after the new charge was published.
Surrounded by Democratic House and Senate Committee Chairs, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sign the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill during a bill enrollment ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday
The Times Union, a newspaper in the state capital of Albany where the New York legislature is based, said the allegation had been made by an unidentified employee of the governor, and that the incident took place at his official residence last year.
She did not file a complaint, the newspaper said, but her allegations were forwarded to the governor's legal department and the state attorney general's office.
Karen Hinton, 62, and Ana Liss, 35, both made their separate allegations of sexual harassment against Cuomo, 63, on Sunday.
Prior to Liss and Hinton, Charlotte Bennett, 25, revealed this week that Cuomo had questioned her about her sex life and whether she had relationships with older men.
Charlotte Bennett, 25, worked as an aide for Cuomo. She claims he sexually harassed her and left her 'terrified'
Anna Ruch, 33, (left) claimed Cuomo behaved inappropriately at a Manhattan wedding in September 2019. Lindsey Boylan, 36, (right) claims Cuomo commented on her appearance inappropriately, kissed her without her consent and went out of his way to touch her on her lower back, arms and leg
Lindsey Boylan also revealed in a February Medium post that the governor had tried to kiss her on the lips in his office and suggested they play strip poker during a 2017 flight. Cuomo's office has said these claims are false.
A third accuser, Anna Ruch, 33, then came forward telling the New York Times that Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her after meeting her at a September 2019 wedding.
The governor apologized for making the women feel uncomfortable during a press conference last week and claimed that the actions were part of his general behavior with everyone. He has denied touching anyone inappropriately, and said some of the allegations are false.
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