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GOVERNOR SPITZER DISCUSSES PROPERTY TAX BURDEN WITH A LONG ISLAND FAMILY AND LOCAL LEADERS
Governor Takes “Bringing the Budget Home Tour” to Long Island
In a visit to Long Island as part of his statewide “Bringing the Budget Home Tour” following his Executive Budget address, Governor Eliot Spitzer today discussed capping property taxes with local residents and business leaders. The Governor is traveling the state to explain, in real terms, what this year’s Executive Budget means for New York families and their communities. His visit to Long Island followed the signing of an Executive Order establishing a bipartisan Commission on Property Tax Relief.
“As families across the state are feeling the effects of a national economic slump, it is critical that we get serious about addressing the high cost of living and doing business in New York,” said Governor Spitzer. “Despite the significant progress we made in last year’s budget with the Middle Class STAR program, property taxes have still continued to increase at an unacceptable and unsustainable rate. That is why I have formed a Commission on Property Tax Relief to find the right approach for finally tackling the root causes of high property taxes. Relief cannot come soon enough for Long Islanders burdened by unbridled property tax growth.”
While on Long Island, Governor Spitzer and Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy visited the Roethel family along with their neighbors and friends at their Northport home to discuss the property tax burden and affordability issues. The Governor was later joined by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, State Senator Craig Johnson and Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny, President of Stony Brook University, to meet with the Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce, where he discussed the economic and business climate affecting Long Island.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said: “I'm pleased that the Governor has incorporated in his budget many of the tax-trimming measures I've stressed, including capping the local share of the pre-school handicapped program, allowing schools to save through a health benefits consortium and expanding joint purchasing ventures.”
State Senator Craig M. Johnson said: “The only way that we are going to control of property tax increases is to control spending. I believe we should try to impose such controls as soon as possible, so that our schools receive the aid that they need, and our taxpayers get the relief that they deserve. With Tom Suozzi overseeing this commission, I have great confidence that this balance will be struck and these goals will be met.”
Commission member and Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny said: “Soaring property taxes in New York State are creating obstacles for the future growth of the State. I look forward to working with this Commission to find solutions to this very complex and troubling issue.”
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce President Richard Bivone said: “We’re pleased that Governor Spitzer is making his fourth visit to the Council. This shows the Governor understands that our members can be vital resources to the Governor and all of Long Island’s elected representatives in Albany as they tackle tough issues. We are particularly happy to see the property tax issue front and center, and we look forward to helping Governor Spitzer, our State Senators, and our Assembly representatives address critically needed property tax reform during this legislative session.”
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce is an umbrella organization acting as a spokesperson for several Chambers of Commerce in Nassau County. Long Island is home to over 90,000 businesses grossing over $100 billion as year. The vast majority of these businesses employ 50 people or less. Small businesses are considered to be the foundation of the region's economy and the Council works closely with them to ensure that they engage with local Chambers of Commerce in Nassau County.