Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz today called on all New Yorkers to contact three members of Congress that have committed to voting for the final tax legislation in Congress. The county leaders each released a video message to mobilize grassroots opposition against a provision that would limit deductions for state and local income taxes as well as property taxes for homeowners. The members of Congress are U.S. Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Tom Reed (NY-23), and Chris Collins (NY-27).
Earlier this afternoon, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) announced her opposition to the bill that comes only one day after Suffolk County Executive Bellone sent a letter urging her to protect these key deductions. This comes on the heels of a Business Insider report that ranked Long Island
the worst place to own a home in the country if homeowners were to lose these critical deductions.
The New York State Association of Counties Board of Directors recently adopted a bipartisan resolution at their biannual meeting in Albany that called on the entire New York State congressional delegation to oppose legislation that would eliminate or limit these deductions. County Executives Bellone, McCoy and Poloncarz are also members of the NYSAC Board of Directors, which represents 57 counties and the City of New York in Albany and Washington on matters germane to county governments. The Association also informs county officials and the public about issues that impact county governments across the state.
County Executive Bellone has also launched an online petition asking President Trump to veto any legislation that would raise taxes on Long Island homeowners. The petition, which has already surpassed over 8,000 signatures, can be found
here. The elimination or limitation of deductions would have a disproportionate impact on Long Islanders. According to the Long Island Association, Long Island taxpayers at virtually every income level could face a tax increase greater than a thousand dollars a year.
VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT
County Executive Bellone recording on YouTube here. A copy of the transcript is below.
I’m Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Congress is close to voting on a tax bill that would raise taxes on homeowners across the state. But there is still time left to convince Congress to change their minds. In fact, earlier today Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced she would oppose the bill. Now, I am asking you to call Congress Members Tenney, Reed and Collins to ask them to follow Congresswoman Stefanik’s lead. Your voice can make a difference. You can also sign my online petition at Facebook.com/SteveBellone. We are One New York – let’s fight to protect our homes.
County Executive McCoy recording on YouTube here. A copy of the transcript is below.
Hi, I’m Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. Congress is preparing to vote on legislation that is unfair for New York residents. The legislation would eliminate the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes and will hurt hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in the lower and middle class. As elected officials these are the people we should be fighting the hardest for - I know that’s what we do in Albany County. Call your Representatives Collins, Tenney, Reed, and tell them to do the right thing and to vote no on the proposed tax plan.
County Executive Poloncarz recording on YouTube here. A copy of the transcript is below.
Hi, I'm Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and in less than 24 hours Congress will be voting on a very important tax reform bill that will have implications for generations to come. While we need tax reform, we need tax reform that helps New Yorkers, not hurts it like this current bill. That's why I need you to call Congressman Chris Collins, (716) 634-2324 and Congressman Tom Reed, (716) 708-6369, and tell both of them to only support a bill that helps New Yorkers, not one that hurts it.
PHONE NUMBERS
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney
P: (202) 225-3665
Congressman Tom Reed
P: (202) 225-3161
Congressman Chris Collins
P: (202) 225-5265