Cuomo Launches Property Tax Cut Campaign

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is trying to drum up support for his proposals to cut property taxes for residents in municipalities that meet spending targets he set.

The so-called “No Excuses” campaign announced Wednesday includes a new website, statements by some officials in support and links for contacting individual state legislators.

“High property taxes have been the number one burden on New York’s families and businesses,” Cuomo said in a statement launching the efforts. “Right after I took office we capped property taxes to stop skyrocketing hikes that were driving people from this state. Now we need to lower property taxes.”

Cuomo proposes a two-year freeze on property taxes if local governments stay within a 2 percent tax-cap the first year and develop a consolidation plan with other local governments in the second year.

The Cuomo administration projects the program will cost $1 billion and save 2.8 million homeowners an average of $354 on their property taxes.

A coalition of groups came out against the plan Monday, saying it amounts to a tax break to the wealthiest homeowners at the expense of the needy.

This article appeared in print on page 4 of the February 27th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.