Cuomo watch: Still pressing for tax cap

Few localities seem inclined to override a newly enacted 2 percent property-tax cap. Why, then, is Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo pushing so hard to defend it?

In the span of two days last week, Cuomo released an eight-minute online video touting the cap, and the state Democratic Party financed a pro-tax-cap radio ad in which Cuomo urges residents: "Ask your local officials about their spending choices. Let them know your view."

At news conferences, Cuomo says spending decisions rest locally. But the ads show Cuomo wants the cap -- a centerpiece of his successful first legislative session -- widely embraced.

With many local governments voting on their budgets in the coming weeks, he could also be making a pre-emptive move against criticism that the cap is too strict.

-- Yancey Roy