Cuomo Willing to Bend on Property Tax Cap

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, New York – Governor Cuomo says he may be willing to soften some of the provisions of his property tax cap proposal, which calls for a 2% across the board limit on the growth of school and local property taxes.

Opponents of the property tax cap, and even some supporters, say a strict 2% a year cap can't work without some significant mandate relief, which has not yet been agreed to. Governor Cuomo, who has made the tax cap a top priority, spoke in the Buffalo suburb of North Tonawanda, where he said he's willing to talking about some changes to the plan.

"My idea and my plan is the best," said Cuomo. "But am I open to talking? Yes."

Senate Republicans have approved the 2% tax cap bill, but some Senators have expressed doubts, though in recent days at least one Senator has walked back from those remarks. Assembly Democrats have not yet passed a tax cap, though Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has predicted the cap will be approved in his house, with some modifications, in the final deal.