Letter to Governor David A. Paterson

Letter

Gillibrand Pushes for Property Tax Credit for Farmers

Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, took her farming constituents' case to the Governor and sent a letter to strongly encourage Governor Paterson to extend the 10-year real property tax credit for agricultural buildings and find comprehensive solutions that will reverse the recent sharp increases in property taxes to rural communities.

"Upstate New York's farmers pay some of the highest state and local taxes in the country, and they need relief now. I will continue to work with state and local officials to change our tax structure so that it works for farmers, seniors, small business owners and middle class families," Congresswoman Gillibrand said. "It is my hope that Governor Paterson will extend the 10-year real property tax credit for agricultural buildings that will bring assistance and some relief to our farmers. The current property tax system is hurting our struggling family farms."

Over the past year, Gillibrand has held numerous property tax town hall forums throughout her district in order to hear from constituents about their property and school tax burdens. In addition, the Congresswoman convenes a non-partisan Agriculture Advisory committee of local farmers to advise her on rural and agricultural issues. The letter is an effort to give her constituents' voice an audience with State leaders...

School taxes have increased by an average rate of 7% over each of the past five years. In Congress, Gillibrand has strongly advocated ending unfunded mandates, such as No Child Left Behind, which place an unfair burden on school and local government budgets and results in higher property taxes. She is also a sponsor of the Property Tax Relief Act [H.R. 3726], which will enable the 1.4 million New York homeowners who do not itemize their tax returns to deduct their property taxes on their federal tax return. Finally, her office has assisted towns and counties with federal grant applications, and since January of 2007, her office has announced nearly $40 million in grants and earmarks for this region's funding priorities, which can often defray infrastructure costs and allow for a reduction in local taxes.

Below is the text of the letter that Congresswoman Gillibrand discussed with the Governor. Attached is a signed PDF copy:

Governor David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Paterson:

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and as an elected official who frequently hears concerns from constituents about property taxes, I am writing to ask you to please extend the 10-year real property tax credit for agricultural buildings. As you know, lower taxes, farm investment and economic development are top priorities of mine in Congress.

I want to see farms in NY's 20th Congressional District and across New York State thrive and succeed. Farmers are facing high operating and gas expenses, we must help the farming community compete and thrive. Real property tax exemptions for significantly reconstructed and new farm buildings can help us achieve that goal.

Thank you for your consideration on this important matter to my constituents. If you need any additional information from my office, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-225-5614.

Sincerely,

Kirsten E. Gillibrand
Member of Congress

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