On LI, Cuomo signs property tax cap law

James Gannon says the property taxes on his two-story house in Lynbrook have risen from $1,500 25 years ago to $11,900 now.

Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo sat on Gannon's lawn and signed a measure that may slow tax increases for him and other homeowners.

The measure caps property tax increases to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Though his taxes won't be reduced, knowing they won't keep shooting up will be a relief, Gannon said.

"Just maintaining [the taxes] where it is, is going to help," Gannon said.

Across the street, though, neighbor Bernard Sherman, 84, reflected the concerns raised by education officials that the cap will erode school spending and the quality of education in the state. "The schools here are excellent. I hope that's not going to affect our schools."

Cuomo spokesman Joshua Vlasto said the state tops the nation in spending per student, but ranks 34th in graduation rate. The state needs to make sure education dollars are better used to improve education.

The law allows school districts to exceed the 2 percent cap if 60 percent of those who vote approve. Local governments can exceed the cap with the approval of 60 percent of its governing body.

Cuomo, who was joined at the news conference by State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) and State Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove), emphasized the bipartisanship that was key to the approval of the tax cap and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Cuomo downplayed speculation that the tax cap and marriage measures may propel him to a 2016 presidential run. Cuomo said he was attracting attention for what he and state legislators were able to accomplish together.