Mayor, Union Leaders Vow to Pass Tax For Universal Pre-K
By: Grace Rauh
Mayor Bill de Blasio is ramping up his campaign to win approval in Albany for a tax hike to pay for universal pre-kindergarten, and he is turning up his nose at the idea of accepting state funding for program, which is putting him on a collision course with Governor Andrew Cuomo. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.
Standing side by side with labor leaders Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on his proposal to create universal pre-kindergarten in New York City.
He is not interested in just any funding for his pre-k plan, though. He is demanding that a tax hike on wealthy New Yorkers be enacted to pay for the program.
"We have a goal. We believe in this goal. We believe it's the right thing to do. We are sticking to this goal," he said. "We're not going to bargain against ourselves. We're not going to water down our goal. There's a very specific reason why. This is dedicated funding."
http://www.ny1.com/content/news/201394/mayor--union-leaders-vow-to-pass-tax-for-universal-pre-k