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GOVERNOR SPITZER DISCUSSES PROPERTY TAX BURDEN WITH HUDSON VALLEY FAMILY AND LOCAL LEADERS
Governor Takes Bringing the Budget Home Tour to Dutchess and Westchester Counties

Governor Eliot Spitzer today discussed capping property taxes with Hudson Valley residents and business leaders, during a stop on his statewide “Bringing the Budget Home" Tour following his Executive Budget address. The Governor is traveling the state to explain, in real terms, what this year’s Executive Budget means for New York families and their communities.

“As families across the state are feeling the effects of the national economic downturn, it is critical that we get serious about lowering the cost of living and doing business in New York State,” said Governor Spitzer. “Despite the significant progress we made in last year’s budget with the Middle Class STAR program, property taxes have continued to rise at an unacceptable and unsustainable rate. That is why I created a Commission on Property Tax Relief to find the right approach for finally tackling the root causes of high property taxes. Relief cannot come soon enough for Hudson Valley residents who are burdened by unbridled property tax growth.”

Governor Spitzer visited with business and civic leaders at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he discussed the economic and business climate affecting the Hudson Valley. In his speech to the Chamber, Governor Spitzer also discussed the upcoming work of a new bipartisan Commission charged with developing a proposal for a fair and effective property tax cap, and unfunded mandate reform to help hold down local property taxes. The Governor later went to Westchester where he visited the Harris family at their Elmsford home. The Harris family and their neighbors sat down with the Governor to discuss the property tax burden and how it is affecting their community.

Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Patricia Myers said: “The burden of ever increasing property taxes is taking its toll on all of us. I think the formation of the Commission on Property Tax Relief to address, in particular, unfunded mandates and to place a realistic cap on property tax is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Charles North, President of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, said: “With the cost of living in New York State continuing to spiral, the fact that the Governor is willing to investigate the possibility of tax reduction is a step in the right direction.”

Stephen E. Diamond, Chairman of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, said: “The strength of New York’s current economy and tomorrow’s future relies upon the ability of New York’s businesses and industries to compete with out of state and foreign corporations. This can only be achieved through the cooperation of the private and government sectors working together to reduce the costs – including taxes and fees – of doing business in New York.”

The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private business membership association comprised of both large and small businesses, as well as private individuals. It is independent of national and local Chambers, but supports their missions and goals. Although the Chamber is not a government agency, it works to foster a healthy relationship between government and the business community. Representing nearly 1,700 businesses, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is Dutchess County's largest business organization.