LUPINACCI WILL SUPPORT TRUE 2-PERCENT TAX CAP

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I -South Huntington) on Monday announced that he will co-sponsor legislation that would create a permanent two-percent property tax levy cap for municipalities and school districts.

While the state’s tax levy cap is popularly known as the “two-percent tax cap,” the tax levy cap is limited to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2 percent with some exceptions. Municipalities can pierce the cap with a 60 percent vote, but lose rebates for constituents tied to adhering to the cap by doing so.

“Since being implemented in 2012, the tax cap has shrunk quickly, forcing school districts and local governments to lay off essential staff members and defer infrastructure projects to adhere to the cap. Establishing the cap permanently at 2 percent would give municipalities the flexibility to fund improvements and retain staff while controlling property taxes.

“I’m very supportive of a two-percent property tax cap for New York’s school districts, especially after years of devastating budget cuts that have left schools understaffed and lacking the proper resources for students to learn effectively,” said Lupinacci. “This much-needed relief will help prevent any further staff cuts or the elimination of any more valuable extra-curricular activities and learning programs in our local school districts. I look forward to co-sponsoring this legislation and will be encouraging my fellow Assembly colleagues to do the same.”

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