The governor recently announced a nearly $1.7 billion property tax credit for New Yorkers paying property taxes that equaled more than six percent of their income. On the surface, this proposal sounds exciting. However, the governor qualified that only those who lived in a municipality that adhered to the two percent tax cap would be eligible. This is just one of the issues I see with this program.

This program is anticipated to be paid with a projected $2 billion surplus in the future. Before we dive in, we must know: How was this figure derived? Was the expected rise in the state’s healthcare and education costs factored in? In this instance, I would advise the governor to adhere to a simple adage: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

While well meaning, there seems to be a lot of what-ifs and clauses in order to realize important relief. Bob Megna, the governor’s budget chief, said the program benefits would be focused downstate and renters would be benefiting, too. Where does this leave Upstate?

The governor’s plan, simply put, misses the point – all homeowners are hurting and deserve property tax relief.

The better solution is to offer real, broad tax relief in the form of cuts for all New Yorkers. Between this proposal and the previous tax freeze program that cut checks to homeowners with families, the governor has made a habit of picking winners and losers when it comes to property taxes.

I firmly believe that we must cut taxes and remove the unfunded state mandates on municipalities and schools that drive up taxes in the first place. Let’s find ways to provide relief for the entire state, not just advantageous geographical political allies.

I welcome your thoughts on this or any other legislative issue. Please share your ideas with me by calling me at 493-3909 or by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.