“I am optimistic and happy to see that the legislature and Albany are moving forward with a two percent or less property tax cap bill. Struggling homeowners and seniors need property tax relief now. At first glance, this tax cap legislation does just that and provides some relief valves for local government, especially regarding pensions.

“However, a tax cap is just the first step toward making New York a more affordable place to live and do business. I will continue to work with Governor Cuomo and insist on unfunded mandate relief to alleviate the costly rules, regulations and paperwork that continue to burden local governments and school districts.

“We cannot have the tax cap without mandate relief, and I am confident that we can deliver this for local governments and taxpayers. Both measures are essential in order to fix our economy and restore New York to its prominence as the ‘Empire State’.”