"Last week's State of the State address laid out an ambitious agenda for the coming year, but no one initiative, I believe, has the potential to affect the lives of Long Islanders more than the governor's formation of a task force to examine a cap on school spending.

"If done right, this bipartisan commission's work could lead to the most significant tax-reform measures in New York's history.

As we are all painfully aware, property taxes have been spiraling out of control for the last decade. As a result, local taxes in New York are 79 percent higher than the national average, according to a recent report by the Citizens Budget Commission.

"On Long Island, these taxes have driven seniors from their homes, put incredible strains on middle class families, and have contributed to the mass exodus of young people who simply cannot afford to live in the communities they grew up in.

"There is no question that our current taxing system needs to be reformed. With school taxes currently making up about 70 percent of the average property tax bill, there is no question about where to start.

"As a sound first step, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi has been appointed to head this commission.

"As the former chairman of the Nassau County Legislature's Finance Committee, I know firsthand the county executive's commitment to tackling our crippling property tax problem.

"Unfortunately, any victories achieved by improving the efficiency of county operations have been outpaced by out-of-control school tax increases.

"The selection of the county executive by his one-time political rival also shows that the governor is serious about making this task force an inclusive process that places a premium on policy and results, not politics.

"Naysayers contend that this commission is unnecessary and designed to fail.

"I could not disagree more.

"One of the more unsettling aspects of the state Senate is the sheer amount of major legislation that the Republican majority attempts to push through without the benefit of public scrutiny, or examination.

"It does not take a fiscal expert to figure out that the only way to control tax increases is to control spending. A spending cap has been in place in Massachusetts for some time and has been widely credited for transforming it from 'Taxachussetts,' to a state with taxes more in line with the national average.

"However, for a spending cap to work here, it has to be implemented correctly.

"This means that we have to get to the bottom of what drives school spending. A thorough examination on how to eliminate many of the unfunded state mandates on schools, which end up being paid for on the backs of taxpayers, also needs to be completed.

"Fortunately, this commission has been granted the subpoena and investigative powers that will allow it to turn over every stone during their inquiry.

"That said, I am hopeful that this commission will have a rigorous schedule and a short life that will ensure that its recommendations are well-researched, and its final report is delivered sooner rather than later.

"Suozzi has indicated that it is his goal for the commission to finish its work before the end of this legislative session.

"I'm glad to hear it.

"I eagerly await more details about this task force and pledge to do everything within my power to help this commission with its very important mission."