As the legislative session comes to an end, Assemblyman Dave McDonough has found at least one piece of unfinished business he hopes will stay that way: Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed $400 tax rebate for New York City homeowners.

"It's simply a matter of fairness, especially when every other community in the state is considering property tax hikes," McDonough said. "We cannot continue to funnel money to New York City at the expense of other localities, both on Long Island and Upstate.

"Mayor Bloomberg's plan, which would give homeowners an annual rebate of $400 over the next three years, has been agreed upon by the New York City Council, but also requires approval from Albany. It comes on the heels of a school aid proposal from the Assembly's New York City-dominated Democratic Majority that calls for billions of dollars in new State Aid for city schools.

"When special treatment is given to New York City, the rest of the state pays the price. In fairness, we can't even call this a 'Robin Hood approach,' because at least Robin Hood took from the rich," said McDonough. "Long Island and Upstate homeowners face another round of steep property tax increases. They should not also be asked to underwrite New York City's tax rebate."