Governor Cuomo has proposed a property tax cap for New York, S. 2706 (Skelos)/ A. 3982 (Silver) that would limit real property tax levies of local governments (which would include counties, cities, towns, villages, fire and other special districts, excluding New York City) and school districts to a year-over-year growth of no more than two percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. The bill would allow the limitation to be overridden by towns, cities and villages, via a local law passed by a two-thirds vote of the local governing body and a majority vote of the public; by fire and special districts, via adoption of a resolution; and for a school district budget, via a public vote of more than 60 percent approval.

Property taxes are the largest source of revenue collected by local governments and school districts. The purpose of this hearing is to examine what effects a proposed property tax cap would have on property owners, local governments and school districts; and, to evaluate alternative proposals that would allow property owners tax relief while ensuring vital services and benefits are maintained.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten (10) minutes duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committees will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible. Any persons wishing to present pertinent oral or written testimony to the Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form by Thursday, February 24, 2011. It is important that the enclosed reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Twenty copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committees' interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Cap on Property Taxes are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to:

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