“Today the Assembly passed legislation that will provide property tax relief for upstate families, including a four year extension of the real property tax cap, which has dramatically reduced growth in local property taxes since it took effect in 2012. We are continuing to move in the right direction with respect to the property tax burden on middle class families in upstate New York. The local tax growth rate has been reduced by nearly 60% since the enactment of the tax cap, saving the average property tax payer over $800. The property tax cap is necessary because Capital District families have reached the limit of what they are capable of paying in property taxes. Nevertheless, we must not lose sight of the need to raise revenue, so the state can continue to invest in infrastructure, protect local school districts, and provide mandate relief to local governments. Property taxes, however, are not the right way to get there.”