An idea the statewide union has been pressing for has picked up steam and is gaining legislative support. Lawmakers from both the state Senate and Assembly are embracing circuit breaker property tax reform. The governor has called for a property tax cap.

NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi said an income-based circuit-breaker, is "a smart way to provide meaningful property tax reform for those who need it most — middle-class homeowners who support education but who are increasingly feeling the pinch of rising property taxes."

NYSUT opposes tax caps as harmful to education. Research on other states that have enacted such legislation shows the measures erode fiscal stability, especially in times of economic downturns.

A new Siena Research Institute poll found 65 percent of New Yorkers support a circuit breaker.

NYSUT participated in a day of action June 2 which included an informational session on circuit breaker reform and lobby visits at the state Capital.

— Clarisse Butler Banks