A coalition of civic and business leaders in New York is pushing back on proposals to raise taxes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and says it will spend millions to advance efforts to help the state’s economic recovery. The nonprofit organization plans a multimillion-dollar effort, which would propel it into the top tier of lobbying groups in the state. Its board includes representatives of the construction, real-estate, hospitality and technology sectors. David Paterson, a Democrat who was in office during the 2008 financial crisis and the recession that followed, said the current situation facing New York City and the state is worse. Restrictions on congregation have dealt a significant blow to the city, Mr. Paterson said, resulting in vacant storefronts and closed businesses.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 24, 2020 23:02 UTC