What is happening in your state? Here's an NY action alert.

Action Alert: Please Oppose the Flawed NY State Tax Cap Legislation

Special Education in School Districts will be on the “Butcher’s Block”

Local Governments are being bullied by Albany!!

Dear Concerned Parents of Special Needs Children in New York State:

As you are aware the Assembly recently introduced its version of the Tax Cap legislation (A.7916), similar to the Senate’s (S.2706) that was passed back in January. Democrats in the Assembly are being promised by the Governor that if they pass the 2% Tax Cap in the Assembly, then the Republican Senate will reinstate “Rent Control” legislation as it is set to expire by June 15^th.  This is another Albany deal at the expense of NY residents. If this legislation passes, the quality of special education for our children will decline significantly.

We find this legislation flawed on many levels such as:

• Creates an undemocratic environment -- a 60% school budget vote will be required to override the 2% cap, giving "no" votes more weight than a normal, democratic majority
• Does not allow for the current formulation of a contingency budget and states that a 0% increase will occur if voted down by the local districts
• Does not offer any mandate relief to lower the blow of blunt legislation
• Only includes partial exclusions for pension fund costs -- no exclusions for health care costs, enrollment increases or payments related to assessment reductions

With pension and health costs already scheduled to rise substantially, local school districts will have no choice, but to cut essential programs and teaching positions to adhere with this 2% Tax Cap.  We urgently need you to join us in taking the below ACTION:

How You Can Help:

1. Immediately Sign the online petition to Oppose the NY State Tax Cap Legislation by clicking here Albany Press Conference this Monday, June 13^th at 2pm outside the Senate Chambers to deliver this petition.