Pere LIA BS mone ae Long island Association pecan June 18, 2015 Honorable Andrew Cuomo Honorable John Flanagan _-Honoratle Carl Heastio State of New York New York State Senate New York State Assembly Executive Chamber Rm. 330, State Capitol Building 932 LOB Albany, NY 12224 Albany, NY 12247 Albany, NY 12248 Re: Property Tax Cap Extension ~ EXTEND IT - DON'T MEND IT Dear Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Flanagan and Speaker Heasti: As the legisiatve session nears its conclusion, one ofthe most important issues that ‘remain unresolved isthe fate of the property tax cap. Ithas been reported thet some groups are advocating fora variety of amendments tothe cap before it is reapproved and extended. The Long Island Association (“LIA”), however, urges you to simply “extend it~ con't mend it.” ‘The property tax cap enacted in 2011, with support from the LIA and the statewide business community, is working. Municipalities throughout New York State, neuding school districts which are the bignest driver of high property taxes, have by and large responded to the ‘ap with prudent budgeting, more efficiency and restrained spending, In essence, our counties, ‘owns, villages and schodis have earned to do more with less. ‘While there may te amendments to the cap that could be reasonable, sich measures should not be undertaken in the waning days ofthe legislative session, without sufficient transparency and thoroug) debste. Any amendments should be discussed inthe next legislative session where the costs and benefits could be reasonably examined. At ths time, the LLA supports the State Senate's passage of legislation that would make the property tax cap permanent and urges the State Assembly to follow suit. The ap is working and should be extended, ‘The tax cap is helping homeowners and businesses on Long Island an¢ throughout the sate. Reducing the high cost of doing business inthe slate is one of the LIA’stop priorities Extending the property tax cap, as i, must be the Legislature's top priority as it winds down this Sincerely, Kevin 8. Law President & CEO Long Isla Association Leading Long Island Since 1986 (631-499-2000 + Fax 621-499-2104 « www.longislandessociation.o7g