June 17, 2008
Re: Your Opposition to the Paterson Tax Relief Plan
Hon. Suzi Oppenheimer
222 Grace Church St.- 3rd Floor
Port Chester, NY 10573
Dear Senator Oppenheimer:
According to The New York Sun (story below), you are actively opposing Governor David Paterson’s plan to bring tax relief to overburdened New York property tax payers.
Is that true?
Westchester County taxpayers need relief now, and I understand that you are helping block efforts in Albany to bring them that relief. Westchester families, senior citizens and small business owners are paying some of the highest property taxes in the country—the third highest in America, according to a 2007 study—and they are looking for relief and leadership from Albany legislators.
Governor Paterson’s sensible proposal—supported by 75% of New Yorkers—would place a 4% cap on local tax levies (or 120% of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower), and bring urgently needed tax relief to Westchester families and senior citizens. It is not a cap on school spending; it is a cap on the local tax levy.
I have pledged to serve as the prime sponsor in the State Senate of that tax relief legislation if I am elected. It is the first bill I will introduce in Albany.
Which raises another question: What are you doing to provide tax relief to Westchester residents before you leave Albany for the rest of the year on Monday? Sincerely, Liz Feld Mayor of Larchmont Candidate for State Senate, 37th District.
cc: Westchester County news organizations
