By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-835992.mp3
Albany, NY – Governor David Paterson is asking legislative leaders to deal with property tax relief before the end of the current session in June.
The Governor says reforms are needed to keep residents from voting with their feet by leaving New York. He's vowing to find a way to reduce the state's highest-in-the-nation property taxes. An effort to enact a property tax cap last year failed. Paterson met with leaders from both parties during an open session at the state Capitol Wednesday.
Theaders meeting was attended by the Republican minority leaders from each house. It marked the first time they were allowed in since before the new state budget was approved. Senate Minority Dean Skelos was critical of his Democratic colleagues for the budget they came up with.
Paterson responded that he would like to hear from the GOP leader what revenue raisers he would use to close the massive deficit in this year's budget. The Governor said said he'll hold another leaders meeting again in two weeks.
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