New York has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most overtaxed states in the nation with the 2nd highest state and local tax burden. Families all over New York are hurting due to the poor economic climate and increased cost of goods and services. That is why, now more than ever, it is important that we address problems that have been plaguing New Yorkers; chief among them are skyrocketing property tax rates.
I am not the only one who shares this concern. Last week, Siena College released a poll that found 72 percent of New Yorkers favor a property tax cap and 65 percent favor a property tax circuit breaker. This poll tells me that New Yorkers are demanding their state legislators, as well as state leaders, produce legislation that will provide immediate property tax relief. Unfortunately, with only one month left in the 2009 Legislative Session, I am frustrated to report that property taxes still have not been addressed by New York state government. Even worse, the 2009-2010 State Budget eliminated the one source of property tax relief that New Yorkers looked forward to - the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program.
A solution has been presented but not acted upon. Our Minority Assembly Conference has put forth a plan that would provide real property tax reform by relieving school districts of unfunded mandates, reducing county Medicaid costs, strengthening fiscal accountability of school tax dollars and promoting local government efficiency. The goal of this plan is to provide tax relief to property owners. Unfortunately, thus far, Speaker Silver and his conference have blocked all of the property tax relief legislation that my conference has sponsored from reaching the Assembly Floor to be voted on.
The recent Siena poll is a clear indication that New Yorkers are in desperate need of property tax relief and that they are demanding it. Government waste, unfunded mandates and the lack of fiscal accountability are just a few reasons why New York is labeled “The Tax Capitol of the World” by the Wall Street Journal. Now that the Senate, Assembly and governor’s office are controlled by New York City Majority members, Upstate New York has been all but left behind, and issues such as property taxes are being pushed to the back burner. Upstate New York deserves to have their fair say, and I am going to continue to fight in Albany to see to it that that is just what we get.