Momentum is growing in the Capitol for a more progressive tax structure, thanks in large part to the efforts of NYSUT and other organizations that have been pushing for reforms.

As the statewide union launched its own $1.5 million ad campaign, five Senate Democrats introduced the Fair Share Tax Reform initiative.

"The billions of dollars in cuts proposed for schools and health care institutions would trigger tens of thousands of layoffs, while hurting society's most vulnerable — students, the poor and the sick," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "Some of our state's leaders are beginning to see that there is another way — a better way — to close the budget deficit without slashing spending on programs that help working families."

The measure — sponsored by Sens. Eric Schneiderman, D-Bronx; Neil Breslin, D-Albany; Antoine Thompson, D-Buffalo; and Manhattan Senators Bill Perkins and Liz Krueger — would raise the personal income tax rate on those families with a federal adjusted gross income of $250,000 or more.

"The governor is absolutely right that in these challenging financial times, we all need to share the sacrifice," Schneiderman said.

Under the Fair Share Tax Reform plan, new income brackets would be created for individuals or families earning more than $250,000 (8.25 percent), $500,000 (8.97 percent) and $1 million (10.3 percent). 

NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said the union believes a combination of cost efficiencies and budget trimming — along with federal stimulus money and new revenue from the more progressive income tax — will help close the $14 billion budget gap while allowing public schools and colleges to maintain programs and staff at near-current levels.

The state Assembly previously passed legislation raising income taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers while the Senate has not. No plan has been introduced in the Assem- bly so far this year.

'Preview' debuts

In line with several polls showing New York taxpayers support raising taxes on the wealthiest during the current economic crisis, NYSUT this month unveiled a $1.5 million ad campaign.

The 30-second ad, called "Preview," initially appears to be a preview for a Hollywood motion picture. A deep-voiced announcer explains that families are at risk under the current budget proposal but later proclaims New Yorkers want "a different ending to this story — we can get through these tough times, but only if the wealthiest pay their fair share."

"Working New Yorkers are paying a disproportionate share of not only income taxes, but property taxes," said Lubin. "A small increase in the income tax on the most affluent New Yorkers would raise up to $6 billion a year in new revenue. It would enable the state to protect public education and health care services, while preserving the jobs of thousands of working New Yorkers."

The NYSUT ad, paid for by VOTE-COPE, the union's voluntary political action fund, is airing on commercial television, cable TV and radio throughout the state, including Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Elmira, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, Long Island and in the New York City suburbs.

In keeping with the movie preview theme, the ad is being shown in theaters.

— Clarisse Butler Banks