To the Editor:

Governor Cuomo recently signed my legislation, the “Black River taxpayer relief bill,” to forgive a legal glitch that’s been costing property owners more than $100-a-day in unnecessary interest costs.

The extra payments were related to the ongoing sewer improvement project along the Route 3, Black River corridor in Jefferson County.

I was particularly pleased that the first bill that I sponsored that became law reflects my commitment to reduce the cost of government to help governments at all levels hold the line on taxes.

Now, I need your help to permanently stop runaway local property taxes. Earlier this year, I voted to approve Governor Cuomo’s plan to cap property taxes, and tie any future increases to the rate of inflation. No longer could your property tax bill increase faster than your ability to pay the bill.

But the Assembly has so far failed to take up this critical measure.

I am asking you to join the fight. Please go to my website—www.ritchie.nysenate.gov —click the link, and sign the statewide petition to demand a Property Tax Cap Now.

(You will also find more information there about the new State Budget and the Black River taxpayer relief bill, which is now law.)

We have to make government live within its means. Our new State Budget is a step in that direction, but we need to do more. As always, I welcome your comments and opinions. Please feel free to call my office, email me through my website, or find me on Facebook. Together, we can make New York a place where families will want to return and businesses will want to open and expand.

Sen. Patty Ritchie

48th District