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Statement in Response to Governor Spitzer's State of Upstate Address
January 16, 2008
By Stephen J. Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties
There is no shortage of challenges that impact Upstate’s stagnant economic landscape. The cost of doing business, high property taxes, a decaying infrastructure, a skilled labor shortage, and an exodus of young talent all top the list of challenges facing our business communities and government leaders.
Overcoming these obstacles requires not only an aggressive agenda, but hard work and focused leadership. It will also take an array partnerships aimed at the same objective. Governor Spitzer’s administration, State legislators, county and local leaders, the business community and New Yorkers all want the same thing: lower taxes, more job opportunities and a better business climate.
One thing that we need to address immediately if we are to invigorate the Upstate economy is the high cost of local property taxes in New York. Counties outside New York City collect $4.3 billion in property taxes each year. These public dollars are used to pay for unfunded mandates – programs devised at the State or federal level and delivered locally.
We cannot simply grow ourselves out of this property tax crisis. And, as the Governor said last week, a rebate check “doesn’t cure the disease.” We must recognize that decisions made by state lawmakers and policy officials in Albany are a primary cause of New York’s high property tax crisis. When we acknowledge this, we can all begin to prioritize our spending decisions with an eye toward addressing the high cost of living, raising a family, and running a business in New York.
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), founded in 1925, is a bi-partisan municipal association representing the 62 counties of New York State. NYSAC is the only statewide association representing the interests of nearly 5,000 elected and appointed officials, including county executives, legislators, supervisors, administrators, commissioners and other employees who deliver essential services to the public.
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