Unshackle Upstate, a bipartisan coalition representing more than 70,000 employers, today issued a white paper in support of the passage of a 2-percent property tax cap. The white paper examines the impact of rising property taxes on families and businesses, and highlights the current 2-percent property tax cap bill as well as similar initiatives in other states.

"As taxpayers across the state prepare to vote on proposed school budgets, it's clear that we need a 2-percent tax cap and we need it now," said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. "This white paper demonstrates that escalating property taxes negatively affect all New Yorkers. From the cost of electricity to the price of groceries, property taxes are a part of everything we consume. By enacting a 2-percent tax cap, homeowners will be able to save more money and private-sector businesses will be able to create desperately needed jobs."

Key property tax facts featured in the white paper include:

• The median New York State property tax in 2009 was $3,755, nearly double the national average;
• Property taxes rose 73 percent from 1998 through 2008, more than twice the rate of inflation during that period; and
• In 2009, businesses across the state paid $21.9 billion in property taxes. This amount represents 39 percent of the business community's total tax burden.

Pointing to the white paper's findings, prominent business leaders from the North Country, Southern Tier and Central New York regions voiced their support for a property tax cap.

"The state budget was a welcome start but without a property tax cap, we're in even greater danger of New York's high property tax burden becoming even more destructive," states Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce in Plattsburgh. "A real property tax cap is the next indispensable step in changing the tax-and-spend culture in our state to one that starts to support growth and private sector job creation. And we can't afford the old Albany game of pretending to pass a reform, but actually passing something loaded with loopholes so it doesn't really fix the problem. We need the cap as proposed by Governor Cuomo and passed by the Senate, and then we need meaningful mandate relief as step three. We've just created hope that maybe New York can be saved. Let's fulfill that hope and finish the job."

"One of the principal reasons that Unshackle Upstate was formed was to give a unified voice to New Yorkers on the overwhelming property tax burden. This issue will continue to plague New Yorkers, unless an effective cap is established," said Lou Santoni, president and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. "Unshackle's tax cap paper effectively outlines why now, more than ever, we need to make this happen."

"A 2-percent tax cap is a critical component to rebuilding New York's struggling economy," said Randy Wolken, President of The Manufacturers Association of Central New York, MACNY. "By easing the property tax burden, manufacturers throughout New York State will be able to help create more private-sector jobs and reinvest in their communities. In order to build on our existing businesses, make them stronger and more vibrant, and attract outside companies to relocate to New York, we need a New York State tax cap that will lead to local tax relief."

The white paper, which features an appendix that addresses criticisms and misconceptions about a 2-percent property tax cap, was also touted by key representatives from Rochester and Buffalo.

"New York's high property taxes are clearly holding back our economy, taking hard-earned dollars out of residents' pockets and discouraging businesses from locating or expanding here," said Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance and a co-founder of Unshackle Upstate. "I agree with those who say a cap is a blunt instrument, but I believe it's exactly what is needed - and the only thing that will be effective - to force our elected officials to deal with the state's fiscal realities and enact meaningful mandate relief."

"New York's highest-in-the-galaxy property taxes are clearly a detriment to private sector investment and job growth in our state, and capping them needs to occur this session, without question," said Andrew J. Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. "Moreover, a cap needs to be directly connected with mandate relief, and thus we urge immediate action on that critical measure as well."

Citing recent opinion polls signaling widespread public support for a 2-percent property tax cap, Sampson stated that Unshackle Upstate is optimistic that the tax cap bill will be enacted before the end of the legislative session.

"Unshackle Upstate is not alone in the fight for a property tax cap - taxpayers in every corner of the state strongly support this vital measure. It's time to deliver real property tax relief for New York's families and businesses once and for all. Once the cap is in place, we can then turn our focus the important task of providing real mandate relief to our local schools and governments."

Download Unshackle Upstate's 2011 2-percent property tax cap white paper here.