New York State AFL-CIO’s Response to Property Tax Commission Report

ALBANY, NY (06/03/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes today issued the following statement:

“The report issued today is basically a reorganizing of old ideas and failed concepts perpetuated on the general public for the better part of two decades.

“The labor movement was expecting, and hoping for a more innovative and creative proposal for real relief on tax payers in this state. Unfortunately, tax payer dollars were utterly wasted on a report that attacks the wages, protections and conditions of employment of working men and women. “

“A cap on property taxes is an ill-conceived concept. Further, the report issued by the Governor’s Property Tax Commission fails to address the near certainty of reductions in critical services to taxpayers that will be caused by this shortsighted gimmick.”

“In addition, how will a tax cap help to make services cost less? A cap does nothing to reduce the costs of health insurance, heating or gas. The obvious answer is: a cap does nothing at all to address rising costs. And as a result, in order to pay for these costs, other services will have to be cut.”

“In short, the New York State AFL-CIO is disappointed by the tone, concept and specifics of many of the proposals contained within this report. The labor movement continues to look forward to working with our elected public officials on an overall progressive tax structure that is fair for working men and women, the business community and all taxpayers across this state.”

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