Statement from New York State Association of REALTORS President Daniel J. Hartnett
Albany – Oct. 21, 2009 – New York’s 56,000 REALTORS today applaud Gov. David A. Paterson for taking the first steps in addressing the impending $3 billion state budget deficit.
We appreciate and support the governor’s pledge to tackle this deficit without increasing New York’s nation-leading tax burden. The Empire State cannot regain its former status as an economic leader among states until it addresses its overbearing tax burden.
New York State’s problem is not spending too little. Rather, New York taxes too much in a vain effort to support unsustainable spending. The cumulative effect of New York State’s reckless spending has forced many of its residents and business to seek more tax friendly states.
New York’s REALTORS again call upon their representatives in the state Legislature to act in the best interests of all New Yorkers by responsibly addressing our fiscal crisis and restoring order to the Empire State’s fiscal house.
We continue to strongly support Governor Paterson’s past proposals including a state spending cap, and a property tax cap. We urge the Legislature to adopt these measures as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce spending and decrease the deficit.
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Editor’s Note: The New York State Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 56,000 of New York state’s real estate professionals. The term REALTOR is a registered trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics as members of the National Association of REALTORS. These REALTORS are also members of the New York State Association of REALTORS as well as their local board or association of REALTORS.