Gov. Cuomo Considers Tax Hikes, New York Casinos

Top leaders in Albany are prepared to align themselves with Gov. Cuomo and his bid to bring casinos to New York, just as the governor discusses amending the tax code.

Cuomo said he opposes new taxes on the New Yorkers, but, under one proposal, he would seek to raise taxes on the wealthy, while lowering taxes on the lower wage earners, reported the Daily News.

What I'm looking at is what do you do with the tax code and how can you use the tax code to stimulate private sector jobs, Cuomo told WGDJ radio station Wednesday morning. Cuomo has been under pressure by labor unions and Democratic lawmakers to extend taxes on millionaires, but believes that it would make New York less competitive.

Still, the possibility of new taxes brought along criticisms from Republicans. State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long said that new taxes would betray the people.

It would not just be hypocritical, it would mean he ran a fraudulent campaign, said GOP Chairman Ed Cox, according to the Daily News.

However, tax reform is just one of Cuomo's ideas he hopes to initiate to stimulate the economy. He is also hoping to amend the New York constitution regarding casinos.

The proposal has bi-partisan support from New York State lawmakers. Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have expressed support for the legalization of casinos. However, there are no immediate plans as to where the casino would go.

I want people to have good jobs, Cuomo said. I want the unemployed New Yorkers to have jobs. I want local governments to have revenue.