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New York Property Tax Cap Coalition Launched
New Web site www.taxcapnow.org
Albany — A broad-based coalition of individuals, associations and businesses called the New York Property Tax Cap Coalition has formed to support Gov. David Paterson’s proposed property tax cap it was announced today at an Albany news conference.
The cap was recommended by The Commission on Property Tax Relief, chaired by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. It would limit the growth in school property tax levies to 4 percent or to 120 percent of the rate of inflation, whichever is less. The Siena College Research Institute conducted a statewide poll in June that showed 74 percent of New Yorkers favor the cap.
This coalition will bring together people from around the state to amplify their voices supporting the cap. The coalition will work with the Governor to see the cap is enacted. Supporters of the cap can join the coalition at www.taxcapnow.org . The cap is a vital first step in getting control of New York’s skyrocketing property taxes.
“Every property tax increase is a pay cut for working New York families and small business owners,” said Todd Shimkus, president and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Shimkus has first hand experience with a tax cap having served on school and town boards in Massachusetts - which has a cap.
“We need the cap. People are voting with their feet in disastrous numbers due to high property taxes. People are being forced from their homes and young people are leaving the state,” said Fred Gorman of Long Islanders for Educational Reform (LIFER).
“New York's highest-in-the-nation property tax burden is a key reason why we also have the second-highest cost of doing business in the country. This staggering tax burden is a double-whammy for small business owners, who get hit by the tax man at their business and in their homes,” said Michael Elmendorf, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business/New York.
“From Long Island to Buffalo and everywhere in between New Yorkers are demanding the tax cap. Groups like Unshackle Upstate and major chambers of commerce are mobilizing on this issue,” said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State.
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