Ceretto calls on assembly to pass a property tax cap

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, today joined his State Senate and Assembly colleagues at a press conference calling on the leadership of the Assembly majority conference to bring the governor's property tax cap bill to the floor of the Assembly for a vote.

The governor's bill to cap property tax increases at 2 percent passed earlier this year in the Senate and has broad public support. In fact, a recent Siena College poll showed that property taxes were rated the top statewide concern among Empire State residents.

"Niagara County homeowners need relief from ever-increasing property taxes, and at the very least deserve to have the governor's property tax cap legislation brought to the Assembly floor for a vote," said Ceretto. "Niagara County families, seniors and business are already struggling to make ends meet. With gas prices reaching record highs, property tax relief cannot come soon enough."

Ceretto's call comes a day after the Assembly minority attempted to bring the governor's property tax bill to the Assembly floor through the amendment process. While the amendment was defeated, Ceretto is hopeful that by keeping pressure on the Assembly Democratic conference, lawmakers will be able to send a property tax cap bill to the governor's desk before the conclusion of this year's legislative session.

"A property tax cap is the first step toward providing Niagara County homeowners with needed relief," Ceretto said. "After a cap is instituted, lawmakers must next focus on eliminating unfunded mandates that drive up costs for local governments and school districts and result in higher property taxes. By capping property taxes and providing mandate relief, the legislature will finally deliver on something homeowners have long sought: real and lasting property tax relief."