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NYSAC Urges State Leaders to Protect Property Taxpayers
August 11, 2008
With less funding, counties are forced to provide state programs, increase property taxes
In light of Governor David Paterson's latest round of proposed budget cuts, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) today urged state leaders to draw the distinction between aid to localities and state funding for delivering state services. The difference could spell property tax increases for New York's overburdened homeowners and businesses.
Among the $1 billion dollars in cuts announced today was $250 million in cuts to local governments by "reducing local assistance general fund spending by six percent."
"Let's be clear here. They are not cutting aid to counties, they are cutting the reimbursements for programs that county governments are required-by state statute-to deliver. We still have to spend taxpayer money to deliver the state's programs, the difference is that we just have less of the state's funding to pay for it," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. "If we are going to make the hard choices to address the current economic situation, then we need to reduce state programs and services, not simply shift more costs to property taxpayers."
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
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