A RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY
LEGISLATORS RANZENHOFER, MILLS & RATH

RE: SUPPORTING NEW YORK STATE PROPERTY TAXPAYERS PROTECTION ACT

WHEREAS, the high property tax burden on New York families and businesses is a top issue facing our community today, and the sheer cost of living in New York has forced many residents and businesses to leave, thus slowing the economic engine of the state; and

WHEREAS, young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling to maintain their homes, and businesses are facing immense challenges to create and retain jobs; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers face the highest property taxes in the nation, and when measured as a percentage of home value, nine of the top 10 property tax rates in the entire country belong to counties in New York and the State must act now to thwart the detrimental effects that high property taxes are having on local governments; and

WHEREAS, the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" (Assembly Bill 8775-A) puts forth new and innovative ideas for property tax reform that limit the amount school districts can raise annually through local tax levies to four percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less; in addition the Act would relieve municipalities and school districts of unfunded mandates, reduce county Medicaid costs, strengthen financial accountability over school tax dollars, promote local government efficiency, and encourage local option insurance pooling; and

WHEREAS, the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" will help fix New York's broken property tax system, providing homeowners, businesses and municipalities significant and lasting relief from the crushing burden of skyrocketing property taxes; and now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to acknowledge New York State's property tax crisis and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act," which will help local governments reinvigorate New York's economy by providing incentives for people and businesses to move and stay here; and be it further

RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the local delegation to the New York State Legislature and County Executive Christopher Collins.

FISCAL IMPACT: Positive for Erie County.

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