Supporters Rally at Lehman College as Sanders Appears, Call for 4% Wealth Tax
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Summary
Hundreds gathered outside Lehman College in Kingsbridge Heights as supporters called on Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to back a 4% wealth tax and other measures to fund social programs, tying the demand to ongoing state budget negotiations.
Hundreds of supporters of higher taxes on the wealthy gathered outside Lehman College's performing arts center in Kingsbridge Heights, where organizers said the event aimed to pressure New York officials into endorsing proposals such as a 4% wealth tax.
Organizers and participants framed the rally as part of a larger fight over the state budget and urged Governor Kathy Hochul and other lawmakers to back tax increases on the state's wealthiest residents and corporations. "There's so many of us literally paying more taxes and rich people, wealthy people is paying less taxes," said Meeting participant (S4), reflecting a common theme among speakers.
The gathering, which reporters said stretched in lines around campus, featured speakers who called current budget negotiations a test of whether the Democratic Party will prioritize equitable redistribution. "Organizers describe the current state budget negotiations as a battleground," Chris Qumella, a BronxNet reporter, said on site.
Several participants tied the push for new revenue directly to services they said were at risk. "We are gonna see millions of New Yorkers lose their health care, in July if we don't act now," said Meeting participant (S5), who urged Governor Hochul to act to preserve programs. The claim was presented as the participant's warning; the rally transcript does not include an independent verification of the figure.
Supporters cited a 4% wealth tax recently introduced in Congress with Rep. Ro Khanna as a potential funding source. "I really like that 4% wealth tax that he, like, recently introduced with Ro Khanna," said Meeting participant (S4). The transcript records praise for that proposal but does not include details on legislative timing or drafting beyond the participants' references.
Speakers used broad rhetoric to frame the rally as part of a national push against concentrated wealth. "All across this country, the American people are saying no to authoritarianism, no to oligarchy," said Presenter (S6). Another presenter said taxing the rich would help ensure the state had stable, recurring revenues for programs working-class residents need.
The event was identified on site as featuring Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders alongside the New York City Democratic Socialists of America; the transcript indicates Sanders' presence but does not include a direct quote attributed to him. Chris Qumella of BronxNet reported from Kingsbridge Heights.
The rally organizers said their next steps are to press state lawmakers and continue public pressure; the transcript does not record any formal endorsements or legislative commitments by local or state officials.
