And that’s a good thing, too! That is, if you already own a house near Central Park or something.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s claim about New York City that working-class individuals “can’t afford to live here anymore” aligns with the reality of expensive policies she supports. The digital town hall she participated in addressed city agency cuts necessitated by the massive cost of accommodating unlimited migrants, estimated at over $12 billion through fiscal year 2025. Approximately one-third of New Yorkers spend over half their income on rent, prompting left-leaning advocates to call for more rent control, despite it contributing to limited housing (!!).
Progressive measures, such as blocking tax breaks for developers and the Tenant Protection Act, have significantly reduced available housing, with only 11,000 new units expected in 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, the state’s “Green New Deal” has raised power prices. Criminal justice reforms supported by AOC have led to widespread theft from retailers. AOC’s solution, taxing the rich, ignores the fact that affluent individuals are leaving the state due to progressive policies. The disconnect between progressive ideology and the well-being of those they claim to represent could exacerbate New York’s affordability crisis and accelerate population exodus if such policies persist.
