Tax & Property Tax Problem
New Yorkers pay some of the highest combined state and local taxes in the nation. It’s more than a problem – it’s a crushing financial burden that’s driven away thousands of citizens and businesses, torn apart families and communities, while forcing many senior citizens out of the very homes they built and lived in their entire life.
According to a recent State Comptroller’s report,
local property tax levies in the state grew by 60 percent from 1995 to 2005, more than twice the rate of inflation. The sheer cost of living in New York is like an anchor on the Empire State’s economy.
In 1993, Money Magazine called New York State a “Tax Hell” for having the nation’s highest tax rates. Fast forward 15 years
and New York’s tax burden is still the heaviest in the nation, 56 percent higher than the national average.
The Empire Center has stated likewise, noting that over “1.2 million New York residents have moved to other states since 2000 – the biggest such loss experienced by any state.” That statistic dovetails with a 2007 Mayflower Transit report that nearly 61 percent of its moves in New York were for people leaving the state – the fifth highest in 
Mayflower’s national market. United Van Lines reported similar rates of outbound moves from New York as well.
That’s why the Assembly Republican Conference has led the fight to provide real tax relief to New York’s overtaxed homeowners and small businesses by calling for the “New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act,” a comprehensive plan 
that introduces some new and truly innovative ideas for real property tax reform.
The New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act is a step in the right direction and, when fully implemented,will save property taxpayers and school districts approximately $16 billion over five years. Here’s how:
- Creating the Office of State Inspector General for Education
- Enabling Local Governments to Combat Medicaid Fraud
- Encouraging Local Government Consolidation
- Limiting Property Tax Hikes
- Providing School District Mandate Relief
- Reducing Medicaid Costs on Local Governments
