Issues: Local Government

The first bill sponsored by Senator Jack M. Martins, chairman of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Local Governments, passed in the New York State Senate and is one that hits close to home. Senator Martins, who served as a village mayor for eight years, worked on an emergency bill that allows villages to continue to use lever machines in time for their upcoming elections. That bill passed both houses of the Legislature and now Senator Martins is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign it.

"We sent him a bill that makes sense, saves taxpayers money and makes sure we preserve the integrity of our voting system while the county boards of election continue the transition to the new machines," Senator Martins said.

To gather expert testimony on the most effective way for New York State to proceed in its efforts to provide tax relief to its residents while protecting valuable services, Senator Jack M. Martins, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Local Government, and Senator John Flanagan, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Education, hosted a joint hearing entitled “The True Path to Reducing New York’s Real Property Tax Burden: Mandate Relief and Tax Caps”.

As I complete my second month serving the people of the 7th Senate District, I am continuously reminded that these are interesting times in New York State. There are discussions going on in Albany about subjects that are now getting the serious attention they deserve. Mandate relief, for example, is something we need to discuss in the coming months, especially in light of the likelihood that a 2 percent tax cap will be implemented.

New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (R,I, C – Port Jefferson) today said he is conducting a broad, grassroots examination of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s  proposed executive budget and meeting with local stakeholders to hear firsthand how the budget impacts local groups, organizations and individuals.

“The State has a $10 billion budget gap that demands we realign priorities, eliminate waste and make very difficult decisions about programs and services,” LaValle said. “We have a $130 billion budget and must work within its footprint.”

“I am determined that the budget process be open and transparent,” LaValle said.

It’s been an historic week in Albany from the perspective that our state government is at last bringing tax relief to our residents. I was pleased to have voted along with my colleagues on a 2 percent tax cap to be imposed on local government. This will help to ensure that our residents will not be saddled with heavy tax increases that will drive them from their homes. The taxpayers have clearly spoken and we are listening.

The tax cap has been passed by the Senate and is supported by Governor Cuomo. We now need the Assembly to pass this legislation to begin the process of easing the tax burden on all New Yorkers.