Hundreds rally in Albany for higher taxes on the wealthy

Advocates call on Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to increase taxes on top earners ahead of budget talks.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Albany on Wednesday to urge New York Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to raise taxes on the wealthiest residents of the state. The rally comes as the state prepares to enter budget negotiations for the upcoming fiscal year.

Why it matters

New York has seen a relatively small increase in the number of millionaires in recent years, leading some to argue that the state's tax burden on high-income earners is not high enough. The 'tax the rich' advocates believe that raising taxes on the wealthy could provide additional revenue to fund social services and programs.

The details

The rally was organized by the advocacy group For the Many, which is pushing for higher taxes on the state's top earners. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans calling for increased taxes on the rich to help fund education, healthcare, and other priorities. The rally took place just ahead of the start of state budget negotiations between the governor and state legislature.

  • The rally was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • New York published data on personal income tax filings for the 2023 tax year last year, showing a net gain of just five millionaires in the state.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York.

For the Many

An advocacy group that organized the rally calling for higher taxes on the wealthy.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The rally highlights the ongoing debate in New York over how to balance the state's budget and fund critical services, with advocates pushing for higher taxes on the wealthy as a potential solution.