A day after Gov. Paterson hinted at plans to soak the rich, a Brooklyn assemblyman announced legislation yesterday to enact the $6 billion tax-hike plan backed by public-employee unions.
Democrat Darryl Towns' bill would enact the Working Families Party's "Fare Share Tax Reform" plan, raising income taxes on taxpayers who make more than $250,000 a year and giving New York the nation's highest top tax rate.
The bill is identical to legislation already introduced by state Sen. Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan), providing it crucial two-house support days after Paterson warned the wealthy they would "share in the sacrifice" during budget talks.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), who supports a "millionaire's tax," has so far not endorsed a tax hike on those making less than $1 million annually.
Towns said he hopes the revenue can eliminate Paterson-backed proposals to tax music downloads, theater tickets and cable television.
The bill would create three new tax brackets for those topping $250,000 a year.
Those on the bottom of the scale would pay 8.25 percent, up from the current top rate of 6.85 percent. Earners making $500,000 will face a tax burden of 8.97 percent, and those who earn more than $1 million would pay 10.3 percent.
