Addressing the need for Property Tax Reform has been one of my number one priorities since taking office in the New York State Assembly. Our escalating property taxes are driving our businesses out of the state, our seniors out of their homes and forcing some of our best and brightest students to seek employment elsewhere in the country. We must reverse this trend and make New York State a more attractive place for people to relocate and remain.

Since taking office, I have voted over 260 times against any new taxes or fees. Raising taxes is never the solution, especially as we face such challenging economic times. I have always supported the implementation of a property tax cap, but only if the mandates that have been placed on our school districts can be relieved in exchange.

It is also critical that we restore the Middle Class STAR Rebate checks, which were eliminated in Governor Paterson's budget. These rebates are even more important now as a means of assisting our families, many of whom are hurting during this economic downturn.

It's time to end the exodus of homeowners from New York State due to overbearing property taxes. I will continue to fight for changes to our current property tax structure and look to create legislation that will help keep families here. We will solve this problem, and we can do it without raising taxes. We can join our voices together to support a better New York for all of us.