RENT REGS AND PROPERTY TAX CAP STILL HANGING IN THE BALANCE; BILLS MAY PASS LATER TODAY

Danny Donohue (second from left) talks with the press
 about the Property Tax Cap in Albany, N.Y. on June 16, 2011.
photo:  property of CSEA

Albany, N.Y.--  CSEA President Danny Donohue joined with New York's top leaders at the state Capitol for a news conference to reinforce that the proposed property tax legislation would tie the hands of local government and school officials trying to balance budgets without providing real tax relief.

It will lead to loss of jobs and services without lowering taxes. Donohue, pictured above, is standing with New York State United Teachers President Richard Iannuzzi, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes and Public Employees Federation President Ken Brynien.  Donohue said the bill is political nonsense and its requirement of a super majority to override the tax cap is undemocratic.

Here are some simple truths:
 
*The cap will NOT reduce your property taxes

*The cap will NOT reduce mandates

*The cap will NOT cut waste

*The cap will NOT make homes more affordable

*The cap will NOT help the education system

*The cap will NOT create jobs

*The cap will NOT make the tax system more progressive

Here’s why that matters to people upstate: Legislators and Cuomo have linked the tax cap and rent regulations—meaning one won’t be done without the other (or so they say). How long rent rules are extended will help dictate how long the tax cap will last before being brought up for review.

It’s a coupling aimed at providing two blocs motivation to act on both: Property taxes are a big issue for upstate and Long Island homeowners, while rents are a major issue in New York City, where renting is much more common.

Twice this week, Cuomo criticized lawmakers for failing to act sooner. He has the power to force legislators to hold sessions whenever he decrees, and he has vowed to do so until rent regulations are handled (his statements have made no mention of the property tax cap).

Cuomo and legislative leaders from both parties touted an apparent agreement late last month to enact limits on property taxes, which are often the largest tax a business pays.

Still, no votes have been taken yet but sources close to the Voice Reporter believe there will be movement on this issue before legislators vacate Albany for the weekend.  The sticking point may be the financial threshold for what determines personal wealth.