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STATE REPS: Oppose Arbitrary Tax Caps

Level of Government: State

As your constituent and a taxpayer, I fully understand the need for property tax relief in New York state. However, a cap that limits the amount of revenue school districts may raise locally  - like the one embraced by Gov. Paterson  - is without question the wrong way to go. As such, I am respectfully asking for your help in defeating this measure.

As you are aware, citizens across the state recently voted on their local school budgets, including nearly 350 that contained tax increases above the proposed arbitrary cap. A resounding 93 percent of budgets statewide were approved, underscoring New York's commitment to educational quality.

Implementing a cap now  - at a time when we are making real gains in closing the achievement gap between rich and poor districts and leveling the playing field for all students  - jeopardizes the progress our public education system has made.

A cap fails to address the rising cost of energy needed to operate our schools, the diesel fuel for our buses, or other fixed costs beyond local control. In fact, because a cap will only squeeze school finances, districts will be forced to cut essential services to our children. The gap between affluent districts and poor districts will grow.

Taxpayers across the state, including those in the communities you serve, want a say over the programs and services provided to their children. Not only would a cap erode that local control, the imposition of such an arbitrary measure when inflationary costs are beyond local control is tantamount to government thumbing its nose at voters.

A cap is nothing more than a simplistic approach to a complex issue. Instead, I urge you to consider "circuit breaker" legislation that would provide real property tax relief to those who need it most.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and work on this important matter. Your help in rejecting the governor's bill to cap school property taxes  - or any tax cap proposal  - would send a strong message to our schools that you are willing to provide students with the resources they need to succeed. The right kind of cap  - a graduation cap  - is a priority for New York voters.

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