Bills Pass to Reform Pensions, Create Permanent Limits for Property Taxes, State Spending

Seven weeks into the new legislative session, four of my top five priorities have been advanced by the State Senate. The New York State Senate has passed legislation to enact a permanent spending cap into law (S365), extend the property tax cap (S1207), strip taxpayer-funded pensions from convicted politicians (S418), and allow ride-sharing services in Upstate New York (S4159).  

I co-sponsored and voted for each and every one of these bills.

Pension Forfeiture Reform: Under existing law, some public officers are still able to collect a pension even after they are found guilty of a serious crime. I have been working to end this practice, and this reform measure will help to ensure that corrupt government officials face serious financial consequences for their misconduct.

I am pleased to report that the Constitutional Amendment has already passed both houses of the State Legislature again this year, and it will now be presented to voters for approval later this year on Election Day.

Bringing ride-sharing services to our region: A comprehensive bill that allows transportation network companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to operate all across Western New York has been adopted by the Senate. The common-sense proposal requires criminal and driving history background checks for drivers, provides additional protections to ensure passenger safety, and includes zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies.

This is just the first step to answering the calls of Upstate New Yorkers. For years, thousands and thousands of residents have been demanding this new transportation option. It is long overdue.

The State Assembly is now in the driver’s seat, and it’s time for the State Assembly to pass this legislation.

Permanent Property Tax Cap Extension: Before the property tax cap, between 2001 and 2011, the growth in New York’s property taxes increased by 73 percent for school districts and 53 percent for counties. Since 2012, the cap has limited growth in property taxes to two percent or less. If the property tax cap is made permanent, then taxpayers would save approximately $66 billion over the next ten years.

Since Senate passage of the bill, it has been sent to the State Assembly for its consideration.

Permanent State Spending Cap: Limiting the growth in state spending has saved taxpayers a cumulative $31 billion since 2010. Enacting a permanent spending cap into law ensures fiscal discipline and secures savings for years to come. 

Although the Senate passed the legislation on January 12th, the State Assembly has not acted on the bill yet.

For more information about any one of these bills, I encourage you to visit my website, ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov. I will be sure to keep you posted as the Legislative Session progresses throughout this year.