Governor Meets with Leaders on Property Taxes - Little Progress

Earlier this morning, Governor Paterson hosted a leaders meeting (including minority leaders in both the Senate and Assembly) to continue discussions on property tax relief. Despite some engaging political back and forth and statements of cooperation, there was no indication that any agreements will be reached before the legislature adjourns in June.

The Governor reiterated his support for caps on both property taxes and state spending as well so some mandate relief including a new Tier V and Wicks reform. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Silver both indicated their support for the circuit breaker and local government consolidation consistent with Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s proposal.

All three noted they will be introducing legislation to support their own positions, furthering the belief that no agreements are on the horizon. Most see this as the Governor’s latest attempt to boost his abysmal approval ratings by sounding tough on taxes.