Cuomo Tries to Shore Up the Support of Minorities

Source: NYT

Over the last several weeks, the governor has been lavishing attention on minority communities amid signs that some were growing impatient with what they perceived as a lack of attention to their concerns.

The governor’s signature economic measure thus far — a property tax cap — does not affect New York City residents, and he opposes a top priority for many minority lawmakers: an extension of the state’s so-called millionaires’ tax, which is to expire on Dec. 31. His travel itinerary has focused heavily on New York City suburbs and upstate communities; when he toured the state to describe his legislative priorities this year, he did not hold a single event in a minority neighborhood in New York City. In July, The Amsterdam News, a black newspaper, published an article with the headline, “Black Community to Andrew Cuomo: Where Are You?”

Some minority lawmakers have signaled an intent to step up pressure on the Democratic governor, especially if it becomes clear that the outlook for next year’s state budget is grim. Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, said that Mr. Cuomo’s first-year spending plan “has caused and will cause tremendous suffering within communities of need.” When the governor was urged to raise money by renewing higher taxes on high-income earners, Mr. Rivera said, “The governor feels completely the opposite from what we’re trying to say.”

“There is an effort afoot to remind the governor of his base and to remind him that we’re in for real tough times,” Mr. Rivera said.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/nyregion/cuomo-paying-attention-to-minority-groups.html