6/28/10: Struggling New Yorkers Need a Real Tax Cap Now

"How do you spell relief? T-A-X C-A-P. While the members of the Legislature negotiate the budget, we strongly encourage the members of the Senate Democratic Majority to listen to their constituents and enact a real property tax cap of 2.5 percent . New York's families and businesses are struggling under the weight of the greatest property tax burden in the nation - 79% above the national average. Upstate New York is home to the ten highest taxed counties as a percentage of home value. The cap should be a straight cap that is not tied to a state spending cap or a circuit breaker. It should be a real, sustainable cap that benefits all New York residents and business owners. If there were ever a time for our elected leaders to stand up and do what's right for their constituents, now is that time. Now is the time for our elected officials to be heroes.  Don't fall for empty promises that won't provide real property tax relief  - demand a cap.

If any of our elected leaders are in need of some inspiration, they should look towards our neighbors to the east. Massachusetts enacted a 2.5 percent property tax cap and went from being the third highest taxed state to the 33rd. That's a move in the right direction and New York needs to follow suit immediately.

Judgment Day is only 127 days away. We implore our Upstate representatives to do the right thing and demand a 2.5 property tax cap or risk losing our support come Election Day."