Senate Passes Bill to Prevent Costly State Mandates from Hurting Schools, Local Governments and Taxpayers

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the New York State Senate has passed legislation that he co-sponsored to prevent local governments and taxpayers from being burdened by unfunded mandates. The bill (S1347) helps prevent possible property tax increases or cuts to existing services by requiring the state to fund mandated programs that come at an additional cost for municipalities or school districts.

“State mandates put enormous financial pressure on local governments and school districts,” Gallivan said.  “One reason local property taxes are so high across New York State is because Albany puts mandates in place without providing the necessary funding to implement them. That’s unfair to local leaders and taxpayers.” 

State-mandated programs place unnecessary stress on taxpayers and local officials for services they do not control. When the state sets local priorities and forces municipal taxing decisions by mandating services, programs, and standards, many local governments and school districts are forced to make difficult choices such as increasing property taxes or cutting back on other services and programs.

This measure prevents future unfunded mandates from negatively affecting local finances and driving up property taxes by requiring the state to assume the costs. It would make it easier for local governments to stay within the highly successful property tax cap and provide further relief to local taxpayers.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.
 

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