New York City's new mayor, Mamdani, is facing criticism for supporting striking nurses who are seeking salary increases that could raise their average pay beyond $200,000 annually. The nurses, represented by the New York State Nurses Association, have walked out of several major hospitals, demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. Mamdani's involvement has drawn sharp rebukes from editorial boards, with some accusing him of prioritizing activist politics over patient needs and suggesting his actions may be aimed at advancing broader government control of health care.

Reports indicate that nurses at these hospitals already earn substantial salaries, and experts warn that further increases would drive up health care costs for patients, businesses, and taxpayers. The debate has also highlighted the complex relationship between the city's political leadership, hospital boards comprised of prominent business figures, and the broader implications for affordability and taxation in New York. Ironically, if nurses achieve their desired pay raises, they could themselves become subject to higher taxes, potentially prompting some to leave the state for more favorable financial conditions.