New York State needs property tax reform NOW!
New York State's high tax burden is driven by local taxes - NOT by state income tax which is not exorbitant by nationwide standards.
• New York State's local taxes are the highest in the US - 79% above the national average.
• Property taxes are 40% higher than the national average.
• Property tax levies are rising at more than twice the rate of inflation and salary growth.
• Outside of New York City, the state is losing population due to high local taxes. Every day more of our neighbors, college graduates and grandparents become ex-New Yorkers - moving to more affordable states and breaking up families and communities.
A solution is in sight. The Governor's Commission on Property Tax Relief has a plan for immediate relief for taxpayers called circuit breaker legislation. Relief now, combined with a tax levy cap to control future growth, and mandate relief to stem state and federal costs pushed down to local school districts should be passed by the legislature THIS YEAR.
Taxpayers have waited far too long already.