Abbate predicts state will find way to fund universal pre-k classes
Assemblyman Peter Abbate, a lawmaker with nearly three decades of experience in Albany, predicted that Mayor Bill de Blasio will get his wish for state funding for universal pre-kindergarten classes for New York City’s four-year-old children.
“Yes, I think we will get universal pre-k,” Abbate told the Brooklyn Eagle.
Abbate supports the mayor’s controversial plan to raise taxes on those making $500,000 a year or more to pay for a citywide program. “I believe in lower taxes, but I don’t believe in cutting off funding for important programs,” he said. “It’s a funny thing about that tax increase idea. You don’t hear too many complaints from people making $500,000 a year, who would have to pay the tax,” Abbate said. “You hear Republicans and Conservatives complaining about how millionaires will have to pay the tax. But you don’t hear complaints from the millionaires themselves.”