Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) has asked for immediate action to pass a two-percent or less property tax cap by attaching it to rent-subsidy legislation which highly favors wealthy New York City residents.

The state Senate had already passed a two-percent property tax cap at the beginning of the year.

"The Assembly Majority asked us to vote on rent-control legislation that mainly benefits downstate and big-city residents while denying Upstate property owners the right to see their tax burden reduced," said Blankenbush, who represents much of southern St. Lawrence County.

"I ask my downstate and Albany colleagues, where is the equity? We must not only cap increases, but support unfunded-mandate relief on local governments. New Yorkers pay the highest real-estate taxes in the nation; we must provide property tax relief now. I won't be silenced on the matter until comprehensive property tax reform is achieved." Blankenbush said one of the most predominant concerns of residents in his district is their property tax bill. He attributed the rising rate primarily to the high number of unfunded mandates that Albany has passed down to local governments. He credited municipalities for their efforts to prevent passing on their high costs, but acknowledged that this is becoming increasingly difficult.

Blankenbush has made it a priority to bring the issue to the floor of the Assembly and asked that they follow the Senate's lead in passing a property tax cap provision which has wide support, including the governor's.

However, Blankenbush says he is also committed to continue the fight for real unfunded-mandate relief. He stressed the point that the two together are necessary to bring real relief to New York property owners.