Chris Eachus Unveils Tax Relief Plan For the Hudson Valley

NEW WINDSOR – Chris Eachus recently unveiled a series of proposals that will help lower property taxes for Hudson Valley residents and businesses. Eachus urged state government to take meaningful steps to not simply slow the growth of property taxes, but to actually reverse course and start lowering the tax burden that has stifled the Hudson Valley economy and forced families from their homes.
“As a homeowner, teacher, and county legislator, I am all too aware of the crushing property tax burden that has chased so many of our neighbors out of their homes,” Chris Eachus said. “That is why I not only support the property tax cap, I also want to see real steps taken to lower property taxes. We need concrete solutions, not misleading rhetoric and more empty promises from Albany politicians. As Senator, I will put politics aside and focus on the real work of lowering property taxes and getting our economy back on track.”

Chris Eachus announced his support for a series of property tax relief measures that will help fight out-of-control taxes and actually lower the tax burden felt by Hudson Valley families and businesses. The tax relief proposals advanced by Chris Eachus include:

· Creating a Middle Class Circuit Breaker Tax Credit: This common sense initiative will provide relief for middle class families when property taxes exceeds a certain portion of their household income. Circuit breakers have already been proven successful in other states, would target middle-class residents who have financially suffered as localities have had to rely on increasing property taxes for revenue.

· Increasing State Allocation for Hudson Valley School Aid: Ensuring adequate state aid for Hudson Valley public schools will help relieve the burden on property tax payers and local governments. Chris will ensure that Hudson Valley schools receive their fair share of state education aid, instead of allowing New York City charter schools to continue making millions off of struggling Hudson Valley taxpayers.

· Maintaining the 2% Property Tax Cap: Limiting the potential growth of property taxes will require school districts and local governments to use tax dollars more wisely and prudently. Chris supports this program, but understands that a tax cap must be the first step on meaningful tax relief and must include mandate relief to help struggling municipalities.

· Delivering Meaningful Mandate Relief for Localities: When the tax cap was initially implemented, Albany politicians promised it would coincide with mandate relief and an end to unfunded mandates. Since then, there have been no concrete steps taken to reduce the number of mandates on local governments and taxpayers and the Senate Republicans have actually implemented more unfunded mandates on Hudson Valley municipalities. Chris will fight to eliminate unfunded mandates which are crippling local budgets and driving property taxes higher. Various unfunded mandates have been identified as issues that can be addressed, including merging Election Days which would save municipalities over $25 million annually, yet the Senate Republicans have refused to address these issues.

“Hudson Valley families are tired of the empty promises and higher taxes that have been levied by Albany for decades. We deserve a State Senator who will fight for our local public schools, instead of sending millions of state tax dollars to New York City charter schools. Our communities deserve more than slowly rising taxes, they deserve real relief and actual decreases to their property taxes. That is why I am running for State Senate, and I look forward to bringing my tax relief proposals to Albany next legislative session,” Chris Eachus concluded.