Tax Cap the Wrong Direction - Mandate Relief / Addressing “Root Causes” Needed

ALBANY, NY (06/03/2008)(readMedia)-- The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) opposes the 4 percent tax cap recommended today by the Commission on Property Tax Relief. However, SAANYS does support some of the recommendations for mandate relief and addressing the root causes of New York’s property tax burden on taxpayers.

“Simply placing a cap on property taxes does not address the reasons why New Yorkers are paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation,” said SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey. “The real, long-term solution is getting serious about mandate relief and recognizing the valuable role BOCES can play in providing consolidated services to schools, rather than restricting the control of local voters. We have great concern however, that as the legislature debates the tax cap, these important ‘root cause’ issues will get swept under the rug. ”

Among the other proposals outlined, SAANYS opposes the recommended amendment of the Triborough provision of the Taylor Law. Also opposed is mandating a minimum employee contribution on healthcare, as such decisions should be negotiated at the district level. SAANYS supports the call to repeal the Wicks Law and streamline school district compliance reporting.

SAANYS represents over 6,800 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS provides direction, service and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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