In a real stunner of a recent public appearance, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) lamented the erosion of New York’s tax base as wealthy residents relocate to lower-tax states like Florida and Texas, driven by remote work and lower tax burdens, a reasonable and predictable reaction to the extortionate tax rates in New York.
Ironically, she urged “patriotic millionaires” to return or recruit others from Palm Beach, saying high-net-worth individuals are needed to fund “generous social programs,” as if those with wealth want to move to where they’ll be attacked and taxed for it, while rejecting further tax hikes amid pressure from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Critics mocked the plea as hypocritical, noting her 2022 call for opponents to “get out of town” to Florida. This ties into ongoing fiscal strains from out-migration and spending on programs, including benefits for illegals, and the disastrous fiscal situation inside the state, particularly New York City, that means new taxes are almost certainly incoming.
Starting off her comments, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “I need people who are high net worth to support the generous social programs that we want to have in our state. Now, there are some patriotic millionaires who stepped up. OK, cut me the checks if you want to be supportive, but maybe the first step should be to go down to Palm Beach and see who you can bring back home.”
“I have to look at the fact that we are in competition with other states that have less of a tax burden on their corporations and their individuals. And I would say remote work changed everything,” the embattled Democratic governor then noted.
Wrapping up her comments, she declared, “There were people who could only work in an office in Manhattan and work in New York state. And they were captives to our state; they were going to stay. We saw that that’s not the case. Wall Street businesses are looking at Texas, but they’re not going there because they have a nicer governor. They’re going there because of the tax rate.”
Watch the clip here:
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Reacting to the hilarious situation, one user noted, “New York Gov Kathy Hochul is begging wealthy people who have moved to Florida and Texas to come back to New York and pay taxes. 🤣,” pointing out the clear hypocrisy.
As we reported in the American Tribune, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) grilled Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) on New York’s taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants, including healthcare and driver’s licenses, which have contributed to the state’s abysmal financials.
“Governor Hochul, under your watch, New York has spent billions of dollars of taxpayer money providing free housing, clothing, food, education, and health care to illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, you’re charging hard-working New Yorkers $2,500 annually just for the privilege of driving to work,” Rep. Mike Lawler began.
Building on this point, he added, “Governor, yes or no, do you support illegal immigrants getting taxpayer funding?” Replying with a snarky comment, Hochul answered, “Sure, if there’ll ever be a real question.”
“You were asked a question…the fact is, you did support giving illegals driver’s licenses,” Lawler interjected, “Governor, yes or no, do you support illegal immigrants getting taxpayer-funded health care? Yes or no?”
Hochul answered, “We provide health care to people in need, including moms with new babies. Refusing to let her escape responsibility, Lawler said, “Do you support giving illegal immigrants taxpayer-funded health care? Yes or no?”
“We support giving money…support…” Gov. Kathy Hochul finally answered. The couragous republican asserted, “The answer is yes. You expanded health care access in 2024 under Medicaid.” Admitting the truth, she claimed, “I would do it all over again.”
Featured image from embedded video