Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today commented on the successful passage of the two percent agricultural assessment cap. The measure, which Blankenbush sponsored, lowers the assessment growth cap from 10 percent to two percent. New York farmers pay the highest property taxes in the nation – nearly three times the national average – $38 per acre compared to $12 per acre nationally. To pay these taxes, the already burdened agricultural job creators have to use close to 15 percent of their net income.

Blankenbush says this cap will give farmers a fighting chance to catch up, continue to operate and create jobs in rural upstate communities.

Blankenbush’s comments are attached in audio file. The video of these comments is available at: http://youtu.be/Ifwzn5SuQpg.