In anticipation of Governor Eliot Spitzer's State of the State Address, Assemblyman Tom McKevitt last week expressed his desire that Long Island not be overlooked when the governor outlines his plans for 2008. While many promises were made throughout his campaign and last year to help Long Island, Spitzer failed to follow through and deliver on most of them.

"From Spitzer's proposal last year to cut aid to Long Island, to his failure to step in and block MTA rate hikes, he has not won over many Long Islanders," said McKevitt. "The easiest way for the governor to do so would be to lower our taxes and provide some real relief to middle class, working families. One way he can do this is by proposing a cap on property taxes."

Although the idea has been informally tossed around by members of his staff, Spitzer has failed to commit to a cap. Many people believe that the State of the State Address will be the proper stage for Spitzer to declare such a policy change.

"I want to see this governor succeed because if he does, that will mean that Long Island is moving forward and our tax burden will be lessened," added McKevitt. "I am more than willing to collaborate with any elected official who wants to bring meaningful property tax relief, the governor included. Hopefully, we can get this done soon. My constituents need it."

"At the start of every year, people have the right to be optimistic. When January 1 rolled around, I was looking forward to a productive legislative session, one where we brought real property tax relief to Long Island and ensured that we got our fair share. Even within the last few days, rumors circulated about the governor finally implementing a long-awaited cap on property taxes. However, those turned out to be just rumors.

"Instead of committing to enacting a property tax cap, Governor Eliot Spitzer will merely appoint a government commission. Does he really think that New Yorkers are celebrating because we have yet another commission to look at the problem? There have been many commissions who have studied the issue of property taxes over the years, but no solution has ever been enacted. How is this commission supposed to solve the problems of hardworking, middle class families?

"Not only is Spitzer delaying the solution months or even years, but taxpayers will have to pay to develop and run his commission!

"We need real property tax relief now, not rhetoric, commissions or further study. The solution is right in front of our eyes. We need a property tax cap and Spitzer is delaying it. Now taxpayers have to wait for a property tax cap and foot the bill for this government commission in the meantime.

"I will believe he's serious about a cap when I see him propose it in legislation in writing. After last year when he promised no new taxes, then went ahead and raised business taxes, increased SUNY tuitions and allowed hikes in MTA fares and Thruway tolls, I am skeptical, to say the least.

"Also, the governor has failed to give details about Long Island's fair share of education funding. Last year, his initial proposal was far below what we need. I will not be satisfied until I know for certain that Long Island gets its fair share of the state's education funding. Anything less is unacceptable."