Assemblyman Tom McKevitt called for passage of five tax cuts to help families and businesses before this year's legislative session comes to an end.

New York was recently named by the Public Policy Institute as the highest taxed state in the nation - 53 percent above the national average. In order to ease the burden New Yorkers feel, McKevitt and his Assembly Republican colleagues have demanded that tax cuts are passed before session ends.

"Since taking office I have been fighting for enactment of tax cuts," McKevitt said. "However, those on the other side of the aisle have chosen not to act. If they do not assist us in our efforts, New Yorkers will be left to face another year with the highest taxes in the nation."

McKevitt's plan to help families and businesses include the following measures: a Co-STAR program, which will provide $285 million in county property tax rebates to senior citizens and farmers; STAR Excelsior, which will provide $1.75 billion in additional tax relief by immediately indexing the Basic and Enhanced STAR exemptions to the current median housing values in the state; a $400 million Personal Income Tax reduction, by increasing the top income bracket from $40,000 to $60,000 and lowering the tax rate to 6.75 percent; eliminating the Corporate Franchise Tax on manufacturers, saving manufacturers more than $500 million annually; and a Corporate Franchise Tax credit equal to 15 percent of the cost of health insurance premiums paid by small businesses for their employees, saving small businesses $1.6 billion and providing quality healthcare for thousands of New Yorkers.

These tax cuts and credits aim not only to save homeowners on taxes but to create a more business-friendly atmosphere in New York.

"It is imperative that we lower taxes in New York," McKevitt added. "People are moving out of the state and taking their business with them because of high taxes. In order to prevent people from leaving, and attract more residents and businesses, we need to lower taxes immediately."

Long Island Assemblyman Republicans announced they will square off against the New 12 Long Island softball team in a charity softball game.

The game will be held July 8 at 4 p.m. at John J. Walker Memorial Park, on Andrews Road in Hicksville.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect. The Coalition fights to protect children from abuse, works for Internet safety and holds forums and workshops in an effort to educate the public about ways to prevent child abuse.

The Coalition was formed in February 1979, in recognition that a formal organization needed to go public with its concerns and take the lead in fighting child abuse, educating the community and ensuring that the needs of every victim were being addressed. They are based in Garden City and can be reached at 747-2966 or emailed at info@coalitiononchildabuse.org for more information.