New York State Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R, C, I - East Meadow) was joined by members of the Assembly Republican Conference today for the unveiling of a clock that will countdown to April 1, McKevitt's deadline for a property tax cap. Just last week, Governor Eliot Spitzer mentioned a property tax cap in his State of the State Address, but McKevitt intends to keep the pressure on until it is passed.

"Governor Spitzer has said that a cap is going to be studied, but I want more than studies," said McKevitt. "I want action by April 1. It is the No. 1 issue in my district and I know that the same can be said for Upstate communities as well. It's a problem that affects us from Suffolk County to Plattsburgh to Buffalo. Hopefully the governor and Assembly Democrats realize this and join us in pushing for a cap."

Over the past few years, spending has gotten out of control, forcing an increase in property taxes. According to McKevitt, spending must be reined in, taxes must be cut and homeowners must be given relief.

"If we don't have a plan for property tax relief in place by April 1, Governor Spitzer and the Assembly Democrats won't just be hearing from me, they'll be hearing from every resident in the state who is tired of paying more than they should in taxes," added the assemblyman.

McKevitt and his colleagues chose April 1 as the date because it is the state's fiscal deadline. The clock will remain outside Room 340 of the state Capitol for public viewing. If the property tax cap were enacted, New York would join 14 other states - such as California, Massachusetts and New Jersey - that have enacted similar measures.