During last Thursday’s session, the Erie County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution in support of enacting a permanent tax cap to curb the increasing cost of government throughout New York State. The resolution was sponsored by Legislators Lorigo, Dixon, Rath, and Mills.

The current New York State tax cap laws require local governments, outside of New York City, to limit the grown of their tax levy by the lesser of two percent or the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. The current tax cap is set to expire in 2020. According to the Rockefeller Institute of Government,  the tax cap has saved taxpayers almost $25 billion. Governor Cuomo has attempted to include the permanent tax cap as part of the New York State budget, saying no budget deal exists without the permanent tax cap. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz recently spoke out against making the tax cap permanent. His comments are referenced in an article from the State of Politics (Erie County Executive Not in Favor of Making Tax Cap Permanent).

Legislator Dixon said, “Our resolution advocates for a permanent tax cap to keep the cost-of-living low and encourage further economic growth in our region. For too long, New York residents have been burdened by some of the highest property taxes in the country. We are calling on state leaders to enact a permanent tax cap to support the taxpayers of Western New York and all of New York State.”

Legislator Lorigo said, “I’m in favor of a permanent tax cap because we have to do something to show our state leaders that enough is enough.  The way Albany spends us into oblivion is driving people out of New York State faster than any other state in the nation. I’m hopeful that enacting permanent tax capping legislation sends a strong message that we must reduce spending if New York State is ever going to thrive. Our resolution supports the residents of Erie County who are tired of their property taxes ballooning out of control.”

Legislator Rath said, “High taxes and unfunded mandates have been a perpetual burden to New York State residents and the people of Erie County. We are sending a message to Albany that a permanent tax cap is necessary to support taxpayers and the local economy as a whole.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.