To combat Monroe County’s property tax crisis, Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) is sponsoring the New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act (Assembly Bill 8775-A), which puts forth new and innovative ideas for true property tax reform. The Act does the following:
- Provides school district mandate relief through reimbursement to schools for entire costs incurred from 4th and 8th grade math and English tests;
- Stops any unfunded state mandates that cost more than $10,000 annually or $1 million statewide;
- Reduces county Medicaid costs through a state takeover of the cost of optional services;
- Caps property taxes by preventing school district tax levies from increasing by more than 4 percent annually or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower;
- Enables local governments to battle Medicaid fraud through grants for investigation software;
- Encourages consolidation of local government services; and
- Encourages local option insurance pooling.
“A new approach is needed to combat burdensome property taxes in Monroe County and throughout the state,” said Reilich. Currently, New Yorkers face the highest property taxes in the nation, 56 percent higher than the national average. As a result, young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling to maintain their homes, and businesses are facing immense challenges to create and retain jobs.”
“If you seek immediate relief from New York’s overwhelming tax burden, join my Assembly Minority colleagues and me in urging Governor Spitzer and the Legislature to Cap Property Taxes Now by enacting the New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act into law. Visit the Cap Property Taxes Now Web site and sign the petition in favor of this legislation,” remarked Reilich. “Only with your continued support can we solve New York’s property tax crisis.”