Assemblyman Gabryszak: Assembly Introduces Property Tax Cap Legislation

May 31, 2011

New York has some of the highest taxes in the nation. In fact, here in Erie County, we rank 6th in the nation for having the highest property taxes per home value.ⁱ It’s hard enough to make ends meet coupled with soaring gas prices and inflated grocery costs; the hardworking families of Erie County need relief. That’s why I sponsored a bill that will cap real property taxes at 2 percent and prohibit local governments and schools from exceeding the cap without a 60 percent vote to override (A.7916).

More specifically, this legislation would cap real property taxes for municipalities and schools at 2 percent of the previous year’s levy and require municipalities to provide data used to calculate the cap to be submitted to the state comptroller for review. Because every area is a bit different, this bill provides each community a chance to meet its specific needs by allowing the 2 percent limit to be exceeded with a 60 percent vote of the local governing body for municipalities and by a school-budget vote of 60 percent for schools.

Governor Cuomo applauded the Assembly for introducing this legislation, referring to the 2 percent tax cap as, “the best tax cap in the nation.” Cuomo isn’t the only one who is in favor of the Assembly’s tax cap, the Business Council of New York State, the New York State Farm Bureau and Unshackle Upstate support this legislation.

Reducing the burden on families and businesses has long been a priority of mine and capping property taxes is one step in the right direction. I recognize this will not solve all of our problems, but it is a start. I will remain committed to helping families get back on track and will continue to make sure the voices of Erie County taxpayers are heard in Albany.

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ⁱ www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/23649.html

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