Issue Position: Holding the Line on Taxes

Issue Position

Middle-class and low-income families on Long Island are overburdened with taxes. Our seniors are also affected and it makes it harder for them to stay in their homes. This is why I voted to make New York's 2% tax cap permanent, never voted to raise taxes and voted against new tax increases 55 times. The tax cap has shown progress, but that progress only impacts future increases. We need to alleviate the burden that existed before the cap. I am sponsoring and supporting several bills that increase STAR exemptions, expand income eligibility and establish an age where property taxes would freeze.

Second, Industrial Development Agency (IDA) reform is a key component in efforts to control property taxes. There is some merit in assisting large business start-ups and providing tax exemption incentives for projects that help our economic development growth. But, wherever exemptions are granted, those unpaid taxes are passed along to all other taxpayers in order to keep municipal budgets balanced. Cutting spending on community services is one way. Ensuring that everyone pays their fair share is another.

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