State lawmakers and business representatives met in Albany on Tuesday to urge the assembly to act on a meaningful property tax cap bill.
Among them was local Senator James Seward, who has been a vocal supporter of property tax relief that would result from cuts in state mandatated costs to local counties.
Skyrocketing property taxes are crushing home and business owners in New York state, according to Seward.
In response, Governor Cuomo has joined with tax-cap proponents in Albany.
“The senate has already done its work, passing Governor Cuomo’s property tax cap legislation—now it’s time for the assembly to get with the program and join us,” said Senator Seward.
Seward co-sponsored a bill that passed the Senate on January 31 of this year.
The legislation would limit tax levy growth for school districts and local governments to two percent or 120 percent of the annual increase in the consumer price index, whichever is less.
Along with this property tax cap, the senate also adopted a mandate relief provision that would force the state to fund any new requirements imposed on local governments or school districts.
Seward said the measure would help local schools and governments keep their costs in check.
“[It would] provide greater flexibility and allow officials to concentrate on local concerns not state mandates,” Seward said.
The property tax cap has tremendous support among taxpayers and major business organizations, according Seward, who cited The Business Council of New York State (BCNYS) as an example.
“Enactment of the property tax cap will send a strong signal to business that New York is ready to grow and create private sector jobs,” said Heather Briccetti, Acting President and CEO of BCNYS.
Brian Sampson, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate said the upstate population has plunged in 17 counties over the past decade.
“With a business tax climate that ranks worst in the country and local taxes that are 79 percent higher than the national average, it’s no wonder,” he said.
Both Sampson and Heather Briccetti are calling on Democrats in the assembly to allow the tax cap bill to pass.
“The governor and senate have demonstrated their leadership on the issue. The members of the assembly majority must follow and provide…property tax relief—the need is critical and it’s time to deliver,” Sampson said.
Then the process can begin to tackle unfunded mandates that ultimately drive up property taxes, he added.
“Further delay on this vital measure is simply unacceptable,” he said.
But the public needs to speak up, according to Senator Seward.
“Additional public pressure is needed to send a loud and clear message to the assembly that the time is now to pass the tax cap,” he said.
Seward is asking for supporters to add their names to an online petition he has been compiling.
It can be found at www.senatorjimseward.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/senatorjimseward.
Taxpayers can also access it at www.PassTheTaxCap.com.
“Albany is starting to function once again. An on-time state budget that cuts spending, holds the line on taxes and offers substantial job-creating incentives is already complete,” Seward said.
The property tax cap will give families some breathing room and businesses room to grow, he said.
