Last week, the New York State Senate, led by Long Island's own Senator Dean Skelos, passed much needed legislation aimed at addressing the needs of taxpayers throughout New York who are faced with increasing property tax costs. This legislation was a bipartisan attempt to cap property taxes and fund schools on behalf of Governor Paterson and Senator Skelos. I congratulate both of these men on their commitment to providing tax relief for the overburdened taxpayers of New York.

Unfortunately, there is one man in Albany who is dead set against the idea of property tax relief and that man controls which legislation is passed in the New York State Assembly. Today I am calling on Speaker Sheldon Silver, to use the special session called by Governor Paterson to bring the tax cap legislation passed by the Senate to the floor of the Assembly.

I understand Speaker Silver's concerns and objections, yet recent polls have shown that nearly 70 percent of New Yorkers support some form of a tax cap on property taxes. It is for this reason that Governor Paterson and Senator Skelos worked so diligently to form a compromise and push this legislation through the legislature.

The people of New York deserve an up or down vote on this crucial legislation before the rising property tax burden drives more individuals and businesses from New York. I will use my voice as an Assemblyman to push for this vote because I believe that the only way to pass the best possible tax cap for the people of New York is to bring this legislation to the floor and allow the Assembly to vote on it in a manner which allows us to make any changes we see fit on behalf of the taxpayers of New York.

David G. McDonough

Member of Assembly