The Property Tax Reduction Law

NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

"The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

November 29, 2006

This past October, a census bureau study found that Nassau County has the second highest property taxes in the nation. Whether its school taxes, municipal taxes or other taxing jurisdictions, each entity contributes to the cumulative burden of oppressive taxation. As every year passes, taxes continue to rise. Local governments have offered no structural changes in the operation of government to address this issue and tax relief is rarely discussed at the local level. When taxpayers ask for tax relief from local government, they are directed to the schools. When taxpayers petition their local school district to reduce the level of taxation, the school districts point to unequal distribution of state funds. The problem is accountability and the methodology of how government operates. Why is raising taxes the first choice of government? The problem is the size of government which has grown beyond its means. Its time to hold every level of government accountable in terms of spending and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Its better to do with less then force families to flee Nassau County. Its time for action. The people must move to promote the idea of tax relief and inject the issue into the political process. This will motivate our elected leaders at all levels of government to act. This can be accomplished by introducing legislation that call for the reduction of property taxes by way of the tax levy; "The Property Tax Reduction Law" .

Under the County Charter (the constitution of Nassau County government), a mechanism exists under Article 1A which authorizes qualified voters of Nassau County to draft and introduce legislation before the Nassau County legislature. This requires the gathering of signatures via the petition process which is then submitted to the country clerk to certify. Unless there are valid or viable legal objections, the legislation then goes to the legislature via the appropriate committee for their consideration. While it is up to the committee to accept or reject the legislation, the issue of tax relief then enters into the political process. If the legislature rejects the legislation by either voting it down in committee or holding the bill without voting, they will have to justify their actions before the people.

The Property Tax Reduction Law would provide immediate relief to all residents of Nassau County who pay property taxes. This measure would reduce property tax levies for Nassau County by 10% beginning in 2008. This would be based on budgetary reductions and offsets resulting in higher than anticipated tax revenues. This measure would not affect voter approved levies. While this measure would not address other taxing jurisdictions, it would send a message to the political establishment that the status quo cannot continue and will serve as rallying cry for action. Don't expect action unless your willing stand up and demand it.

Note: In addition to this petition, a second petition will be submitted to ensure open and accountable government. Click on the links below to view the petitions.

The Property Tax Reduction Law Petition

The Disclosure And Accountability Reform Law Petition