Gov. Cuomo calls the state's budget process a "sham," but that is exactly what his proposed tax cap is. It doesn't cut anyone's taxes; merely limits the increase, and allows wealthier communities to vote to surpass the cap while punishing those most in need. A "circuit breaker" which ties one's property taxes to his/her income is what we need. That would genuinely help taxpayers including renters, by the way, and it would not hurt schools. A circuit breaker would be paid for by keeping the tax surcharge on the wealthy, the so-called millionaires tax, which Cuomo wants to remove.
SPKorn - 13 years ago
Tax cap is exactly the wrong remedy to a serious problem.
Before tax caps, the NY needs to tackle causes of public spending, mostly under its control, which continues to rise faster than taxpayer incomes. For starters…
* Costs to support pensions and healthcare in retirement not under the control of local school boards
* Layers and layers of State mandates without consideration of costs
* Taylor Law which protects the status quo in labor agreements
* Huge obstacles to removing (often expensive) employees who are failing our kids despite remedial help. These are folks who would be gone in a blink in the private sector
* Rid us of the Wicks Law layering on unnecessary costs for every construction project
So on principle, I oppose the caps because the only remedy left to live under the new spending caps will be to fire teachers and staff, especially young, capable teachers
KRASHKOWALSKI - 13 years ago
THE POLITICIANS SEEM TO THINK THAT THE HOMEOWNER HAS AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF MONEY. THAT IS NOT SO!!!! HOMEOWNERS CANNOT AFFORD ANY MORE
OF THE POLITICIANS' PROFLIGATE SPENDING!!!! IF SCHOOL HAS TO BE CUT BACK OR SHUT DOWN, THEN THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE, BECAUSE HOMEOWNERS ARE AT THEIR FINANCIAL LIMITS NOW!!!!!!
VinoBlue - 13 years ago
This poll should read:
(a) I am not bright enough to connect taxes to the quality of life in my community
(b) oppose the tax cap
ike - 13 years ago
This poll should read:
(a) I support the tax cap.
(b) I am a teacher or other public employee union member.
Gov. Cuomo calls the state's budget process a "sham," but that is exactly what his proposed tax cap is. It doesn't cut anyone's taxes; merely limits the increase, and allows wealthier communities to vote to surpass the cap while punishing those most in need. A "circuit breaker" which ties one's property taxes to his/her income is what we need. That would genuinely help taxpayers including renters, by the way, and it would not hurt schools. A circuit breaker would be paid for by keeping the tax surcharge on the wealthy, the so-called millionaires tax, which Cuomo wants to remove.
Tax cap is exactly the wrong remedy to a serious problem.
Before tax caps, the NY needs to tackle causes of public spending, mostly under its control, which continues to rise faster than taxpayer incomes. For starters…
* Costs to support pensions and healthcare in retirement not under the control of local school boards
* Layers and layers of State mandates without consideration of costs
* Taylor Law which protects the status quo in labor agreements
* Huge obstacles to removing (often expensive) employees who are failing our kids despite remedial help. These are folks who would be gone in a blink in the private sector
* Rid us of the Wicks Law layering on unnecessary costs for every construction project
So on principle, I oppose the caps because the only remedy left to live under the new spending caps will be to fire teachers and staff, especially young, capable teachers
THE POLITICIANS SEEM TO THINK THAT THE HOMEOWNER HAS AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF MONEY. THAT IS NOT SO!!!! HOMEOWNERS CANNOT AFFORD ANY MORE
OF THE POLITICIANS' PROFLIGATE SPENDING!!!! IF SCHOOL HAS TO BE CUT BACK OR SHUT DOWN, THEN THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE, BECAUSE HOMEOWNERS ARE AT THEIR FINANCIAL LIMITS NOW!!!!!!
This poll should read:
(a) I am not bright enough to connect taxes to the quality of life in my community
(b) oppose the tax cap
This poll should read:
(a) I support the tax cap.
(b) I am a teacher or other public employee union member.