The members of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, and the New York State Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force, long-time advocates for fair, equitable system of taxation, applaud Governor Cuomo, Speaker Silver and Senate Minority Leader John Sampson for their leadership in making this agreement possible. This plan, which is the most significant, progressive tax policy change in New York in a generation, will lessen the financial burden on approximately 4.4 million middle-class, working-class and poor New York State taxpayers and will strengthen our economy with the creation of new jobs.

One of our major priorities has been to press government to respond to the high unemployment and joblessness that is pervasive in our communities, in particular amongst 16-24 year olds. The New York Works Agenda will create thousands of jobs thanks to new investments in our state's infrastructure and the creation of an inner-city youth employment program. This effort is a great first step toward solving this long-standing problem.

While this agreement is a victory for fairness, we are also optimistic about the Governor's plan to appoint a commission that will make long-term recommendations on how to improve our tax structure. We strongly urge the individuals appointed to this commission to forcefully advocate for a tax policy that is even more progressive than the temporary one we are enacting.