In Albany, de Blasio Pressed Over Property Tax Cap

Mayor Bill de Blasio got the full Albany treatment Tuesday as state lawmakers grilled him for five hours over his city’s finances and its status as the only local government in the state not subject to a cap on property taxes.

The Democratic mayor argued against the tax cap, saying his administration has found billions of dollars in savings and is committed to strengthening the city’s financial position. He also urged lawmakers to oppose a proposal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to shift some Medicaid and higher education costs from the state to the city.

The tough questions reflected the belief of many upstate and Republican lawmakers that New York City gets a pass when it comes to the fiscal restrictions put on other communities, allowing it to build up billions in budget reserves while other communities cut back on services.

“The bottom line is that the city is awash in money right now,” said Sen. Catharine Young (R-Olean), who chairs the Senate Finance Committee. “And localities across the state … would only dream of having surpluses.”

De Blasio noted that his city includes 43 percent of the state population but generates 57 percent of state revenue. He said that while his administration has no plan to raise taxes, he’ll oppose any effort to “tie our hands.”

“That would be a very dangerous path for New York City,” he said, adding that his city budget proposal recommends a city spending increase of less than 1 percent.

In a not-so-subtle message to de Blasio, the state’s GOP-led Senate chose the day of de Blasio’s visit to vote to impose the tax cap on the city. The measure likely couldn’t pass the Assembly, dominated by Democrats from New York City, but it will give the Senate Republicans leverage as they negotiate the state budget.

“This legislation will put an end to out-of-control tax increases that are being forced upon us,” said Sen. Adam Lanza (R-S.I.) “New York City government needs to live within its means in the same way families are forced to do.”

The tax cap limits hikes on property taxes levied by local governments to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.

This article appeared in print on page 32 of the January 27th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.