With the state facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, there is a great fear that some lawmakers may try to push more costs onto local governments and school districts by forcing them to pay for policies enacted in Albany. Known as unfunded state mandates, this policy continues to take more and more resources away from local governments and school districts and has been a major factor in driving up property taxes. These tough fiscal times provide an opportunity to eliminate unfunded mandates.
With homeowners in the Southern Tier already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, based on the median home value, any additional cost increase to local governments and school districts would be devastating for homeowners, who would inevitably have to shoulder the increased burden.
Instead of forcing local governments, school districts and homeowners to pay more for Albany’s irresponsible spending habits or issue more debt, the state needs to reduce spending to close the deficit.
Be assured that as the legislature continues to work on passing this year’s state budget, I will fight to eliminate unfunded state mandates in order to lower property taxes and make New York state a more affordable place to live.
Tom O’Mara
Member of the Assembly
137th District (Chemung, Schuyler and Tioga County)
