Unions and Socialists Push for Higher Taxes in New York

Public sector unions and left-wing groups aim to raise taxes on high earners, but their motives are more about self-interest than economic justice.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The editorial board of the New York Post argues that the push for higher taxes in New York, including a 'Tax the Rich' movement, is being driven more by the greed of public sector unions than by the ideological goals of Democratic Socialists. The piece claims unions like the UAW, CUNY faculty, and nurses' associations are the real force behind tax hike proposals, as they stand to benefit from increased government spending, while figures like Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani have less ambitious tax plans.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex political dynamics behind tax policy debates, with traditional left-wing groups like unions aligning with more radical elements like Democratic Socialists, but often for self-serving reasons rather than pure ideological motives. It raises questions about the true intentions and power dynamics shaping economic policy in New York.

The details

The editorial cites several unions and union-backed groups, including the UAW Local 9A, CUNY faculty's Professional Staff Congress, the New York State Nurses Association, the Alliance for Quality Education, the Strong Economy for All Coalition, and the Working Families Party, as being the primary forces behind the 'Tax the Rich' movement in New York. It argues their main motivation is to increase government spending and their own power, rather than genuine concerns about economic justice. The piece also draws comparisons to California's proposed wealth tax, which it says is being pushed by unions like the SEIU, and could drive high earners out of the state.

  • The 'Tax the Rich' rally in Albany took place on Wednesday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

A Democratic Socialist who backs tax hike proposals, but whose own tax plan is less ambitious than the union-backed bills.

Michael Kink

The chief of the Strong Economy for All Coalition, which includes several major unions, and who earns a reported $210,980 per year as a 'supervisor' for the United Federation of Teachers.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who opposes the state's proposed wealth tax, citing concerns that it could drive high earners out of the state.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're no fans of the Democratic Socialists; they're wrong about approximately everything — but the larger threat (and far better-funded, thanks to how they feed off the public) consists of the special interests the socialists so naively run cover for.”

— Post Editorial Board (nypost.com)

The takeaway

This story suggests that the push for higher taxes in New York, while ostensibly driven by left-wing ideology, is in reality more about the self-interest and greed of powerful public sector unions. It highlights the complex political dynamics at play and raises questions about the true motivations behind economic policy proposals.