New York is the most unequal state in the nation. The gap between rich and poor is largest here, and no wonder. Newly built Manhattan skyscrapers blot out the sun, while housing across the state is costly. The best way to address inequality is by taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers. Redistribution can enable our state to pay for healthcare, education, and other services that ordinary people rely on to survive.

Opponents of progressive taxation always say raising taxes would drive high earners out of the state. However, public policy scholars argue this is incorrect. In The Myth of Millionaire Tax Flight, Cornell University professor Cristobal Young shows that the ultrarich do not leave a state when taxes increase. Their economic success is tied to where they made their fortunes.

We shouldn’t expect an exodus of rich people to other states for New York if we raise taxes. Governor Hochul acknowledged in her State of the State that New York is losing ordinary people due to the high cost of living - not taxes. Our state representatives in Albany, including Senator Rob Rolison and Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, should ignore arguments against raising taxes on the wealthy that lack evidence. Instead, they should make the rich pay their fair share.