Tompkins County urges state lawmakers to consider corporate and progressive income tax changes and expanded child care; resolution passes with opposition

The Tompkins County Budget, Capital and Personnel Committee approved a member-filed advocacy resolution urging the New York governor and legislature to advance a package of bills that would raise corporate and higher-earner income tax rates and initiate steps toward universal child care.

Veronica introduced the resolution as a set of state-level requests tied to bills including a proposed corporate tax increase (filed in the packet) and a progressive income-tax expansion for high-income brackets, together with legislation to create a path toward universal early-childhood care. She said the measures are intended to generate additional state revenue that could help address child-care shortages and other state-level funding needs.

Members debated the resolution’s wording; Greg proposed removing editorial language such as “ensure the wealthiest New Yorkers pay their fair share” and the committee agreed to an edit so the resolution focuses on the bills and revenue effects. On final passage the committee recorded five votes in favor and one opposed.

Opponents said they support child-care expansion but opposed increasing state taxes. Supporters argued the proposed tax changes would raise substantial revenue for statewide programs while minimizing direct impact on most local residents. The resolution is an advocacy statement to state officials and does not change county tax policy.