Statement from Senator O'Mara on release of Governor Cuomo's 'Tax Relief Commission' report

Thomas F. O'Mara

December 10, 2013

Elmira, N.Y., December 10— State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) released the following statement on today’s report from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “Tax Relief Commission”:   

"The focus on broad-based tax relief for New York’s property taxpayers, businesses, energy consumers and upstate manufacturers is undeniably good news--as long as it’s followed by meaningful action.  I look forward to working with the governor and my legislative colleagues to get this job done.  We know that high state taxes and overregulation are the key obstacles preventing sustained private-sector economic growth and job creation. Our tax code and policies have to better reflect the realities of the modern economy and put our job creators, especially upstate manufacturers, on a level economic playing field nationally and globally.

“The governor’s insistence on local government efficiency and overall spending reform is on the right track, but the state cannot keep ignoring the burden of unfunded state mandates on our local governments and school districts.  Mandate relief must be a part of this discussion.  I’ll continue to do my best to ensure that it will be, including co-sponsoring legislation to put an end to any future unfunded state mandates.

“The emerging blueprints, including these recommendations from the governor’s Tax Relief Commission and our own Senate Majority plan, could produce a more competitive business climate that invites private-sector job growth, welcomes businesses and industries, revitalizes upstate manufacturing and helps provide long-term economic security for workers and their families.  But only if we finally turn all this talk into the right actions."

Read the full Tax Relief Commission report HERE.

Senator O'Mara and his colleagues recently released their own tax relief and reform plan for consideration in 2014, "Tax Policy Review and Reform Initiative."  The Senate plan includes several of the key recommendations from the Tax Relief Commmission, but goes beyond it to call for additional and expanded tax cutting and regulatory reform initiatives.