A look at Zohran Mamdani's policy ideas as he becomes New York City's mayor

"Zohran Mamdani becomes New York City's mayor on Thursday with an ambitious agenda that drove a national conversation about affordability but will require billions in public funding and the backing of politicians who have expressed reservations. The 34-year-old democratic socialist has just a few weeks before the start of state and city budget season begins at the end of January."

"Mamdani campaigned on a plan to offer universal childcare to every child from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The program, which is estimated to cost approximately $6 billion every year, would also expand existing pre-K and 3-K programs and increase worker salaries. If implemented, free universal childcare would amount to one of the most significant government policies in more than a decade, since former Mayor Bill de Blasio successfully launched universal pre-K."

Zohran Mamdani becomes New York City mayor with a platform focused on affordability and large-scale public programs requiring state approval and significant funding. He proposes universal childcare for children six weeks to five years, expanded pre-K and 3-K, and higher worker salaries. The universal childcare program is estimated to cost about $6 billion annually. Childcare costs have risen sharply: the city comptroller reported average family-based infant and toddler care at about $18,200 (a 79% increase since 2019) and center-based care at about $26,000 (a 43% increase since 2019). Mamdani proposes funding via taxes on wealthy residents and higher corporate tax rates. He lacks unilateral taxing authority and must secure backing from Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature, while Hochul is hesitant on wealth taxes but open to corporate tax changes amid her reelection considerations.

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