$0.

That's how much money for state and local governments was in the COVID relief package passed by Congress yesterday.

Now, there are some good things in the bill: $600 in direct payments for every working class American. It's not enough, but it’s better than nothing. And there is also a modest amount of unemployment assistance for those who have lost their jobs, and there is money to help with vaccine distribution. All important.

But the truth is, New Yorkers are struggling and this bill does not go far enough. More than 750,000 New Yorkers are unemployed and the unemployment rate in New York City is more than 12 percent. Meanwhile, millions of New Yorkers lack health insurance or are underinsured, and more than 1 million New Yorkers face the threat of eviction because they can't keep up with rent payments.

For months, Andrew Cuomo has said he wanted to see what Congress would do in terms of aid before considering raising revenue by taxing millionaires and billionaires to help New York families through the COVID crisis.

Now we know what Congress will do for New York.

$0.

Sign my petition: tell Andrew Cuomo to support raising revenues to support struggling New York families by taxing New York's millionaires and billionaires, many of whom have seen their net worth skyrocket during this pandemic.

We cannot wait for Mitch McConnell to bail us out. And the truth is, even if Democrats win both Senate races in Georgia, we cannot count on moderate Democrats like Joe Manchin to do it either.

We have the resources needed to help New Yorkers in pain right here, in our state. All we lack is the political will to act. And that is why we must make our voices heard.

Stay safe,

Alessandra Biaggi

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