"News that a property tax cap is finally in sight means welcome relief for overtaxed homeowners across our state that have been saddled with some of America's highest property taxes. Members of the Assembly Minority Conference are especially proud to have played an important role in making the tax cap happen. The record is clear: for years, we have sponsored tax cap legislation and tirelessly pushed, prodded and called on the Assembly Majority to recognize New York's property tax crisis and respond by holding an up or down vote on the tax cap. With our continued advocacy and Governor Cuomo's support, it looks like that vote will finally take place and the tax cap will pass. This is very good news for homeowners.

Capping property taxes is a critical first step toward New York becoming a more affordable place to live, but it cannot be the only step or the last word. As I have been saying all along, a property tax cap by itself is simply not enough. We must deliver comprehensive unfunded mandate relief for local governments and school districts that are drowning in a sea of costly paperwork, rules and regulations imposed by Albany. It cannot be 'either or' - it must be 'both and' - New York needs both the property tax cap and unfunded mandate relief in order to improve our quality of life and fix the economy. Once the property tax cap vote is done, unfunded mandate relief must be the next legislative priority before session concludes."