Black, Middle-Class New Yorkers Oppose DSA's Proposed Tax Hikes

Residents say the socialist measures would unfairly target their retirement savings and inheritances.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Many Black, middle-class property owners in New York City say they would be among the biggest victims of the Democratic Socialists of America's proposed tax hikes. Residents like Lorraine Smith-Singleton, a 77-year-old retired nurse, argue the DSA's plans to tax individuals making over $300,000 and inheritances over $250,000 would undermine their ability to pass on wealth to their families.

Why it matters

The DSA's tax proposals have sparked backlash from some Black and middle-class New Yorkers who say the measures would disproportionately impact their ability to build generational wealth through home ownership and inheritance. This highlights the complex dynamics around tax policy and economic inequality in the city.

The details

The DSA's tax-heavy platform includes higher taxes for individuals making over $300,000 and taxing inheritances over $250,000. Many Black, middle-class property owners like Smith-Singleton, who owns two homes, say these measures would hurt their ability to pass on assets to their children. They argue the taxes unfairly target the middle-class rather than the super-rich who can more easily avoid them.

  • The DSA's tax proposals were announced in early 2026.

The players

Lorraine Smith-Singleton

A 77-year-old retired registered nurse and mother of three who owns two properties in Jamaica, Queens.

James Chavis

A 58-year-old consultant and African-American homeowner in Laurelton, Queens.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The socialist mayor of New York City who is proposing a 'millionaire tax' but has not weighed in on other DSA tax proposals.

Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

A left-wing political organization that has proposed a series of tax hikes, including on high-income individuals and inheritances.

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What they’re saying

“The reason you invest is to acquire wealth with the hopes of putting it towards your legacy, for your family — and this will greatly affect my family.”

— Lorraine Smith-Singleton, Retired Registered Nurse (New York Post)

“As an African-American homeowner, I think it's extremely unfair to most middle- and upper-middle-class New Yorkers to raise taxes, especially when incomes are not increasing in our current economic environment.”

— James Chavis, Consultant (New York Post)

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani is seeking state approval for his 'millionaire tax' proposal, but it remains unclear if the broader DSA tax plan will gain traction in the city or state legislature.

The takeaway

The DSA's proposed tax hikes have sparked backlash from some Black, middle-class New Yorkers who say the measures would undermine their ability to build generational wealth through home ownership and inheritance, highlighting the complex dynamics around tax policy and economic inequality in the city.