Governor Cuomo's budget cuts are too deep and will severely harm ordinary New Yorkers. The Governor must meet the needs of all New Yorkers by extending the current income tax on the wealthiest residents.

The impact of the proposed cuts in NYC include: losing 6,000 teachers in our public schools - 4,666 (or nearly 1 in 12 teachers) through layoffs; losing an additional 2,000 city workers through attrition; the elimination of nearly 17,000 day care seats; the shuttering of over 100 Senior Centers serving approximately 7,000 senior citizens; and the closing of 20 additional fire companies. Rather than promote job growth and economic recovery, the Governor's proposed budget would increase unemployment and cut education - limiting future prosperity.

The extension of the current tax rate on wealthy New Yorkers will help address the budget shortfall. While it would not solve all of the New York's budget woes, it would go a long way to ensure we all play a fair role in tightening our belts.