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New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams says he wants Tom Suozzi as deputy mayor

Brandon Duffy
U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) provided members of the press updates on SALT deductions included in the Build Back Better act. (Screenshot by Brandon Duffy)

New York City Mayor-elect Eric Adams says he is trying to convince U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) to join his administration as deputy mayor. 

According to multiple reports, the two men were at a news conference Saturday in Queens, meeting with community members after a Friday night protest. 

“I am very flattered that the mayor-elect would like me to help him in a big way to tackle the challenges in New York City,” Suozzi told the New York Post. “It’s a testament to our great friendship and his confidence that I know how to help run a big government, get things done and solve problems. Lots to think about over Thanksgiving.”

The former Nassau County executive endorsed Adams and campaigned for him during New York City’s Democratic primary for mayor.  

Suozzi is considering a gubernatorial run and told reporters Friday his decision would come at the end of the month. As of now, Demoratic candidates include Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, among others. 

I’m going to decide by the end of the month,” Suozzi told reporters Friday during a virtual news conference. “I’m going to talk to my family.”

A focal point in Suozzi’s potential campaign would be his involvement in raising the limit on the state and local tax deduction when paying federal income taxes, otherwise known as SALT.

On Friday, House Democrats passed the Build Back Better act, a $1.75 trillion spending package, including easing limits on SALT.

The bill, which still needs to be considered by the Senate and may change following amendments, would increase the deduction limit to $80,000 from 2021 through 2030. In 2031, the cap would go back to the current level, $10,000. If no changes are made, the current cap would expire after 2025. 

The deduction was capped at $10,000 under legislation signed by then President Donald Trump. This has the effect of raising federal taxes for homeowners in areas with high property taxes like the North Shore.

Suozzi has long said that he would not vote for any changes to the tax code without increasing the SALT cap. Suozzi said Friday that amendments from the Senate would go back to the House, and reiterated his long standing position of “No SALT. No Deal.”  

Before being elected to Congress in 2013, Suozzi was Nassau County executive from 2002 to 2009. He also served as Glen Cove’s mayor for four terms, beginning in 1994. 

In the House, Suozzi is a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the chief-tax writing committee.  

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