Unshackle Upstate Responds to Governor Cuomo’s 2018 State of the State Address

January 3rd, 2018

“Governor Cuomo covered a lot of issues during today’s State of the State address but none were more critical than property taxes. New York’s massive property tax burden drives hardworking men and women out of the state and factors in to our harsh business climate.

Unfortunately for overburdened taxpayers, there was no mention of advancing meaningful mandate relief during today’s remarks. Until our leaders in Albany find the political strength to ease mandates on local governments, sky-high property taxes will continue to plague struggling families.

The bottom line is that taxpayers need real relief. Unless Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders take bold steps to help taxpayers, support employers and improve our business climate, Upstate’s economic crisis will worsen. That is simply unacceptable. Albany should look to its more than $160 billion state budget and target areas to responsibly reduce state spending and save taxpayer dollars before engaging in any talk of new or increased taxes.

We understand the challenges ahead and look forward to working with Albany’s leaders to get the Upstate economy moving in the right direction.”