Members of the Unshackle Upstate coalition praised the New York State Senate for joining Governor Paterson to rein in taxes and restrict government spending by approving a bill that places a cap on property taxes at 4 percent or 120 percent of the inflation rate.

Tax relief has been a major issue for Unshackle Upstate, a growing coalition of 72 organizations representing more than 45,000 businesses which employ well over one million New York State residents. New York State's property taxes are 79 percent higher than the national average. The coalition believes Upstate residents have struggled for too long with the rising costs of living in New York. Basic goods such as food and gasoline have all of New York State's tax payers demanding tax relief and government spending cuts across the board. Both have been issues of concern to Unshackle Upstate and the Governor.

"This kind of action is exactly what Upstate needs to help us get through the current economic crisis," said Sandra A. Parker, President and CEO, Rochester Business Alliance and a leader in the Unshackle Upstate coalition. "Businesses as well as homeowners need all the help they can get, and on their behalf, we thank the Senate and Governor for taking meaningful action in controlling property taxes and State spending."

The coalition is pleased by the actions of the Senate and Governor and is encouraging members of the Assembly to follow suit and support these critical efforts. Without real and meaningful fiscal reform, Upstate New York, according to the coalition, will continue to see decline in both jobs and population.

For further information on the Unshackle Upstate coalition or its reform agenda, visit www.unshackleupstate.com