Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) and the Assembly Minority Conference today observed New York’s “Tax Freedom Day” by calling for passage of several targeted legislative initiatives, which would reduce the state’s crushing tax burden on families.

Among the initiatives was Fitzpatrick’s own Property Taxpayers Protection Act, which would control the growth of school property tax levies by capping them at four percent or the rate of inflation – whichever is lower. The bill would also eliminate unfunded mandates, reimburse schools for the full cost of 4th and 8th grade math and English tests, lower county Medicaid costs and address financial accountability and transparency.

“Tax Freedom Day” refers to the amount of days individuals must work to earn enough money to pay their combined tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels. According to the independent, non-partisan Tax Foundation, New York’s 2008 “Tax Freedom Day” is May 5, the third latest in the nation.

“Families all across New York are being asked to stretch their paychecks to the absolute max,” said Fitzpatrick. “We must set the wheels of relief in motion and continue to do so during these tough economic times. It starts with and ends with the spending problem in Albany.”