Seward Responds To Suozzi Report

            ONEONTA, 12/01/08 – In response to today’s report from the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief Senator James L. Seward issued the following statement: 

            “High property taxes have long been a concern of mine and I have worked diligently to pass legislation aimed at providing relief for property owners.  The final report from the State Commission on Property Tax Relief, issued today, echoes many of the themes I have long supported.

             “Mandate relief must be at the core of any school tax relief plan, and I am pleased to see the report calling for extensive recommendations along these lines.  Greater participation in statewide energy efficiency programs, repealing the Wicks law, and streamlining school district reporting are all items I strongly support.  I also voted in favor of the school property tax cap, which passed in the senate, and am open to other proposals like the property tax circuit breaker. 

             “We need to take a close look at this latest report and enact proposals that lower property taxes without hurting the education our students receive.”