Push for 'Invest in Our New York' Tax Hikes on Tin Cup Day

Advocates, activists, and elected officials demand higher taxes on New York's wealthiest to protect childcare and healthcare from federal budget cuts.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Advocates, activists, and elected officials gathered at the New York State Capitol on Wednesday to demand higher taxes on New York's wealthiest residents and corporations. They say the state has to generate billions to protect childcare and healthcare from federal budget cuts. The 'Invest in Our New York' campaign organized the rally to coincide with Tin Cup Day, when the leaders of New York's biggest cities petition for aid from the state government.

Why it matters

The coalition argues that the current system fails working-class families while protecting the wealthy, and that taxing the rich is popular with 78% of New Yorkers supporting raising taxes on the wealthiest to offset federal cuts. Local leaders warn that counties are projecting $1.3 billion in new costs without new revenue, and may have to choose between cutting services or raising local property taxes.

The details

The coalition highlighted four specific tax reform bills that they say would generate over $40 billion a year, including raising taxes on corporations making over $2.5 million, reforming inheritance taxes, creating new progressive income tax brackets above $500,000, and imposing a capital gains tax on investments for high-income earners.

  • The rally was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, coinciding with Tin Cup Day.
  • Almost 100 local officials coordinated on a letter to state leaders on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari

From the Alliance for Quality Education, she argues that the current system fails the children of working-class families while protecting the wealthy.

Brahvan Ranga

From Invest in Our New York, he called the state a playground for millionaires where working families struggle to afford groceries.

Sarahana Shrestha

A Democratic Assemblymember who has a bill to raise taxes on corporations making over $2.5 million a year.

Jabari Brisport

A Democratic State Senator who has a bill to reform how the state taxes inheritances.

Robert Jackson

A Democratic State Senator who sponsors legislation to fund public services by raising taxes on high-income earners.

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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)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.