Statement from Governor David A. Paterson
September 19, 2010
"New Yorkers are entitled to know where their elected representatives stand on the most critical issues facing our State. A report published today by Gannett shows that while there is broad and bipartisan support in the Assembly for a property tax cap, 64 members are unwilling to say if they would vote for it. This is unacceptable.
"However, the survey by Gannett is as close as we have come to a vote on the property tax cap in the Assembly, and it shows that the bill would almost certainly pass if a floor vote were held, with 62 members in support of the legislation and only 23 members voting no. While the final tally is inconclusive because so many legislators refused to comment, I am certain that if the Assembly leadership allowed the bill to come to the floor, it would pass.
"In August, the Senate took a stand on this issue, passing this legislation with an overwhelming majority vote. I have confidence that Conference Leader John Sampson and Minority Leader Dean Skelos will be successful in passing this bill again in the fall to ensure real, sustainable property tax relief that New Yorkers need now more than ever.
"The voters send us to Albany to do what is best for the people of New York, not to do what is in the best interests of the special interests. Increased State spending is not property tax relief, no matter how Albany politicians spin it. Spending increases lead to higher property taxes. Our elected officials in Albany need to take a stand – as they already have in New Jersey this year – against runaway property taxes. To that end, I will bring the full legislature back to Albany before the November elections, and the property tax cap will be on the agenda."
