Senator Smith Urges Special Session to Address Property Tax
July 24, 2008
(Queens, N.Y.) -Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) today praised Governor David Paterson for his willingness to move the property tax debate forward and also urged the Legislature to address high energy costs. He repeated his call for action now, rather than continuingn delays in addressing the two most pressing issues—the burden of high property taxes and the anticipated high fuel costs that will affect New Yorkers this winter.
In calling for property tax relief, Senator Smith praised Governor Paterson’s property tax proposal, which has provoked debate and forced the Legislature to deal with property taxes that threaten to drive New Yorkers from their homes.
“I commend Governor Paterson for pushing the property tax issue to the forefront,” said Senator Smith. “New Yorkers are hurting right now with the rising costs of taxes, food, fuel, and health care. A tax cap proposal, while not perfect, has forced the Legislature to consider solutions to diminish the burden.”
Governor Paterson’s proposed property tax would set a cap on the tax levy and would grant residents the ability to vote to adopt levy increases less than the cap.
A recent poll conducted by the Siena Research Institute showed 74 percent of New York State residents support some form of a tax cap. A subsequent poll showed a similar degree of support for a circuit breaker that would grant property tax relief to low and middle income New Yorkers.
Senator Smith stated that he understands that there may be a special session held in August. He joins his Democratic colleagues in urging the Senate Republicans to address these critical issues, which they have thus far failed to do. He further indicated that there will be several property tax proposals submitted, to be introduced by Senate Deputy Democratic Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Westchester) and Senator Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan).
The home heating relief legislative package, among other things, would increase the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) income eligibility levels to assist more families this winter as they face high fuel prices. The package will also include proposed reforms to the existing Weatherization Program.
Senators Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) and Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx) will introduce separate energy bills with a multi-pronged approach to fuel costs.
Senator Smith is urging that these proposals be enacted this summer.
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Selvena N. Brooks
Press Secretary for the Downstate Region
Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith
250 Broadway, Suite 1930
New York, NY 10007
T: 212-298-5616
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Politics
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