WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. July 20, 2003: As our state progresses into the 21st century, we must equip our children to meet the demands of a rapidly-evolving economy. And we undoubtedly can – by ensuring that every student in Westchester has access to a top-notch education. But at the same time, we cannot afford to sandbag property owners with unfair taxes.
Strong communities and first-rate schools are the foundation of Westchester County. Since taking office, I’ve secured over $35 million in aid for our schools while at the same time protecting the STAR tax relief program that assists eligible property-taxpayers.
There’s no reason that property taxes should skyrocket so our children can attend good schools. And there’s no reason we should have to choose between keeping seniors on fixed budgets in their homes and providing our students with access to a successful tomorrow.
As the Legislature works to address a recent court decision, which forces the state to find a more equitable school funding formula, we will look for solutions that build on the successes of programs like STAR, which move the funding of education away from regressive property taxes. By exchanging local taxes for broader-based state revenues to fund schools, STAR can help districts across the state raise academic performance. That’s why I was discouraged to read recent reports suggesting that STAR should be sacrificed to pay for the court-ordered changes to the state’s school funding system. That’s a false choice which I will vigorously oppose.
Tough times call for difficult choices, but this is no time to make the wrong choice. This year, the Legislature united in a spirit of bipartisanship to prevent historic cuts to education and to protect STAR benefits. And last year, the Assembly improved STAR by protecting eligibility from cost-of-living adjustments. We have fought hard for this important program and now is not the time to hurt those who need property tax relief.