Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) introduced new legislation that would require New York state to pay taxes on the assessed property value of closed state prisons (A.4937)/(S.02745). If the legislation passes, it would require the state to take responsibility for the assessed value of the property, as opposed to the surrounding residents, schools, fire departments, town and county taxpayers, in an effort to relieve the economic burden from the displacement of state workers and abandoned properties that has been forced onto New Yorkers. The state currently has 30 closed correctional facilities, all funded by taxpayers.

“My goal with this legislation that I cosponsor with Sen. Dan Stec is to hold New York responsible for the dozens of closed correctional facilities throughout the state until they are re-opened by another state or non-governmental entity. The economic burden is already crushing taxpayers and we are losing residents to lower taxed states by the thousands. We have to make changes. We have to hold the state accountable for the facilities they suddenly closed down, leaving hundreds of correctional officers and staff unemployed or forced to relocate. Closing down the facilities has left a devastating impact on the surrounding communities and the legislation I introduced will make their lives just a little easier,” said Simpson.