Part 7/11:
The conversation highlights New York’s oppressive taxation landscape. With combined federal, state, and city income taxes exceeding 10%, wealthy residents and business owners are under considerable pressure. Some even feel subsidized indirectly—paying more in taxes upstate to support New York City’s budget—yet see little benefit from the high taxes they pay.
Mandani’s radical proposals—like making buses free and faster—are viewed skeptically, with critics doubting the feasibility of such plans, especially regarding sustainable funding. The underlying concern remains: welfare policies and populist promises may be used as campaign tools, but actual implementation could be hamstrung by budget constraints and opposition from powerful economic interests.