Hardworking, middle class families across New York State are in desperate need of tax relief. Long Islanders are tired of talk and no action out of Albany. That’s why I’m supporting an important new proposal to cap school property taxes.
A similar tax cap in Massachusetts produced dramatic results for taxpayers – and the state moved from having the third highest property taxes in the nation to the 33rd highest.
The new proposal would prevent tax increases this year by capping local school property taxes. Due to the low inflation rate, my plan would require school districts to reduce property taxes this year.
Last year, Governor Paterson and the senate majority voted to eliminate STAR rebate checks for senior citizens and all homeowners. I voted no. The consequence of their decision proved to be a devastating blow to hardworking families.
Our homeowners deserve better, which is why I’m fighting to restore STAR rebate checks — both for seniors and non-seniors. In addition to the immediate relief provided by rebate checks, we also need structural reforms that will help control property tax increases for years to come.
That’s exactly the type of reform that a property tax cap represents, and that’s why I’m fighting for the enactment of this important measure.
Long Islanders need real, practical solutions and they need those solutions now. That’s what my plan offers.
Senator Kemp Hannon-6th District
