Senate Passes Historic Property Tax Cap Legislation

The New York State Senate today passed historic property tax relief legislation that enacts a cap on the growth of local property taxes.

The bill (S.5856), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos, will cap school and local government taxes to less than two percent or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. Mandate relief is also included, with $127 million in savings to local governments, in addition to the creation of a Mandate Relief Council to identify and repeal unsound, unduly burdensome laws and regulations.

“Getting a property tax cap in place is critically important for every family that struggles to pay their taxes and for every business that wonders if it can afford to stay in New York,” Senator Skelos said. “Enactment of this bill into law will be a victory for homeowners who want to put a stop to skyrocketing property taxes. Senate Republicans have been fighting for years to get a tax cap enacted into law and this year, working with the Governor, we were able to get it done.”

This tax levy cap would shift the focus from total spending to the actual property taxes levied to support school district and local government expenses. The bill includes the following provisions:
· This bill limits tax levy growth to the lesser of two percent or the annual increase in the CPI, other than the “Big 5” school districts of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers and New York City. Those are funded through city budgets.

· The exceptions for a tax levy above two percent or CPI are funds needed to support voter-approved capital expenditures, pensions, torts over five percent of the prior year’s levy, and an override of the cap.
· This bill also allows the growth in the levy due to physical and quantitative change.
· A school district would be required to submit a tax levy proposition for approval by voters at the district's annual meeting on the 3rd Tuesday in May. If the proposed tax levy is within the district's tax levy limit, then a majority vote would be required for approval. If the proposed tax levy seeks to override the cap and exceeds the district's tax levy cap, the threshold required for approval would be 60 percent of the vote.
· A school district that does not levy an amount up to the cap in any one year would be allowed to carry over unused tax levy capacity into future years. However, this carryover levy capacity cannot be used to increase its tax levy by more than an additional 1.5 percent above the cap in any single year.
· In the event a district's actual tax levy exceeds its authorized levy due to clerical or technical errors, the erroneous excess levy must be placed in reserve to offset the levy for the next school year.

 Read full  article Here

RNC Launches "14 in 14"Women’s Initiative

Posted April 14, 2014 

 

WASHINGTON –  Today the RNC launched a new effort called “14 in ‘14” to engage women in the key 21-40 age demographic. Co-Chairman Sharon Day joined Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and West Virginia Delegate Amanda Pasdon in Charleston, West Virginia, this morning to kick off the program.
“14 in ‘14” is about mobilizing volunteers to engage women in the 14 weeks leading up to the 2014 election. Efforts will be concentrated in 25 key counties with a large number of independent and “swing” women voters. These counties are expected to have an important impact on targeted Senate, Congressional and gubernatorial races.

The program’s focus is on building relationships and a strong network of messengers for the Republican Party. The RNC is recruiting and training women who are committing 30 minutes a week for the 14 weeks leading up to the November election to help recruit other women, identify voters, support other Get Out The Vote efforts, and be Republican messengers in their communities.

This is in addition to the RNC’s other efforts for engaging and mobilizing women such as precinct captain recruitment, candidate and volunteer training, staff recruitment, the Rising Stars program, and mentorship and networking events.

“I’m excited about 14 in ’14, and the opportunities this will create to connect more women with the Republican Party,” said RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day. “The 2014 elections are rapidly approaching, and it is important to put in place new programs to increase awareness and get-out-the-vote efforts. I look forward to building a strong network of Republican women to help in the upcoming election.”

Read more at GOP.com

Obama, Putin at Breaking Point

Interesting article from The Hill:

The relationship between President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have reached the breaking point over the crisis in Ukraine.
Through a series of long telephone conversations, Obama and Putin have talked extensively behind the scenes about the fate of Crimea, with the United States repeatedly warning Russia against a grab for territory.But Putin appears to be forging ahead, defying Obama’s calls for a diplomatic solution that would allow both sides to save face.

Now the U.S. and its allies are directly hitting some of Putin’s closest advisers with sanctions in a move intended to isolate and punish the Kremlin.

Foreign policy analysts warn the latest steps could be the beginning of a deep freeze in U.S.-Russian relations.

“This has the potential to end very badly,” said Richard Fontaine, president of the Center for a New American Security. “I don’t think this means war, but this could spell the beginning of a long period of extreme diplomatic alienation between the West and Russia.”
The tit-for-tat intensified on Monday, as Obama announced sanctions against Russians and Ukrainians deemed responsible for Russia’s incursion into Crimea, including close allies of Putin and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Read full article here.

Cuomo's Common Core

We thought you'd enjoy this letter about Cuomo's Common Core, sent recently to Education Commissioner John King by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.

County Executive Molinaro urged Commissioner King to reconsider Common Core standards, which have led to a "level of confusion, concern and unrest among parents and educators [that] threatens to seriously undermine confidence in our educational system."    

 Dear Commissioner King:

Over the past several months there have been numerous forums throughout Dutchess County, focused on the implementation of Common Core.  Clearly, it is an issue that has sparked great concern among the parents and educators of Dutchess County.

As County Executive and parent of two school aged children, one receiving special education programming, I have worked to educate myself on the issues surrounding Common Core. I have spoken with other parents and educators who are passionate advocates for their children. I have heard stories of teachers being overwhelmed and feeling unprepared. I have read, with concern, debates over testing regimens and the privacy of data.  And most importantly, I have heard the cries of parents whose kids of all learning levels come home from school confused and burdened by a new curriculum and standards heaped upon them seemingly overnight.

Additionally, I wonder if adequate thought has been given to the "downward pressure" Common Core places on the growing need for Early Intervention and Special Education Pre-K services - a large unfunded mandate on county governments.

Read More:

Donald Trump To Meet With More Than 30 NY GOPers To Talk Possible Governor's Run

Read Ken Lovett's article at NYDailyNews.com

This item was dropped for space from my "Albany Insider" column this morning:

Donald Trump is set to meet with more than 30 state Republicans the second week of January as he still toys with the idea of a Republican run against Gov. Cuomo, Trump top aide, Michael Cohen, said.

The meeting is follow up to one Trump held at his office recently with 11 GOPers urging him to run.

While most insiders are convinced Trump is simply seeking publicity, Cohen insists The Donald really is considering a run and will decide by the end of January.

“The interest in Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for governor has snowballed,” Cohen said.

Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is seriously considering a run for governor next year. 

And while he is a favorite among state GOP Chairman Ed Cox and other Republicans, Trump tweeted out last week that he thinks Astorino would have no chance against Cuomo, a popular Democrat with about $30 million in his campaign warchest.

Read full discussion here.

Cattaraugus County Saves Residents More than $200,000 with ProAct Prescription Discount Card

The ProAct Prescription Discount Card Program is designed to provide individuals with little or no prescription coverage access to affordable medications. Since Cattaraugus County implemented the discount card back in May of 2012, residents have collectively filled more than 3,700 prescriptions and saved more than $200,000.

By working closely with ProAct, Cattaraugus County joined the growing list of counties across the country that have been able to provide their residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health care coverage, access to affordable prescriptions. Every resident in the county is eligible to utilize the program. The discount card cannot be used in conjunction with any form of insurance to discount co-pays or deductibles. All prescriptions are eligible for a discount, including some pet medications.

On average, residents can expect to see savings ranging from 10-20% on name brand medications and 20-70% on generic medications. Simply present the discount card at your local pharmacy when filling your prescription to start saving. To ensure the discount card is accepted at your local pharmacy, or if you would like to price out your medications, please visit www.NYRxDiscountCard.com. You can also contact the ProAct Help Desk at 1-877-776-2285.

Read full article at www.cattco.org

NYGOP Responds to Cuomo's Commission on Tax Reform

ALBANY, NY... Since Andrew Cuomo took office nearly three years ago, Republicans have called for tax reform again and again and again and again and again.

Today, the Governor announced a commission to investigate ways to cut taxes in New York State, co-chaired by former Governor George Pataki and former Comptroller Carl McCall.

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement:

"After the 2009 taxpayer-driven Republican victories across New York, Andrew Cuomo campaigned on our issues of tax caps in 2010. With another campaign on the horizon, the Governor is finally moving to do what needs to be done for the taxpayers of New York State: tax reform.

Read full article here:  http://nygop.org/page/nygop-responds-to-cuomos-commission-on-tax-reform

RNC Launches ObamaCareCosts Campaign

Posted September 4, 2013 from GOP.com

WASHINGTON – Leading up to the major ObamaCare implementation milestone on October 1, the Republican National Committee is launching a month-long awareness campaign to show all Americans the costs of ObamaCare—and to show those who are hardest-hit that they are not alone.

A new website, ObamaCareCosts.org, will provide voters with state-specific facts on ObamaCare and the latest news on the implementation train wreck—information they can use to hold Democrats accountable for the disastrous law in 2014.

Each week the RNC will release a video of real news stories highlighting the costs of ObamaCare to Americans around the country. This week’s video, “ObamaCare Costs: Colorado,” shows the difficult choice facing Coloradans: going into debt or paying a fine in order to comply with ObamaCare.

The RNC has also launched a petition page to let voters make their voices heard. Throughout the month, the RNC will continue spotlighting local news stories about ObamaCare costs and promote the campaign through surrogate and media affairs operations. Americans can join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ObamaCosts.

Read full article here

Can Andrew Cuomo kick-start upstate?

In case you missed it, this great piece by Joe Spector in Saturday's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle outlined the difficulties Andrew Cuomo is facing in promoting economic growth upstate.

Jobs and citizens are leaving upstate in droves. According to the article, Gov. Cuomo is,

"facing criticism as he seeks re-election next year as to whether his plan can rebuild an upstate economy that has struggled for decades with a decline in manufacturing jobs and population loss. His poll numbers have dropped considerably upstate this year, particularly in the wake of a gun-control law passed in January."

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox added, "What you need is to cut taxes across the board and let the free markets work rather than having government control over the program."

Check out the whole story below, and be sure to use the links above and to the left to share this with your friends.

Can Andrew Cuomo kick-start upstate?

By Joseph Spector, The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, August 10, 2013

ALBANY - Gov. Andrew Cuomo has made more than 75 trips to upstate and the New York City suburbs this year as he promotes his agenda, particularly ways to boost the economy. That's more trips than all of last year.

Yet the economy remains his most daunting challenge, even as unemployment figures show signs of improvement.

Read Full Article Here

GOP:- Dem hikes risk tax reform

from www.thehill.com
By Bernie Becker
GOP senators are signaling that tax reform is a lost cause until Democrats give up their push for higher taxes.

A number of them have given the chamber’s two top tax writers no suggestions for tax breaks to be retained, and several top Republican senators said they don’t plan to.

It is a clear sign that many GOP senators agree with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who this week said he did not think a major overhaul would get done.

The stumbling block for Republicans is their belief that Democrats will insist that higher revenues be included in any reform bill.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/310329-gop-dem-hikes-risk-tax-reform

McCain: Obama’s credibility ‘at stake’ amid IRS, DOJ probes

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Monday said that President Obama’s “credibility is obviously at stake” amid a trio of controversies, and urged the president to do more to address them and restore public confidence.

“We have a lot of things that he needs to lead on, and if he’s mired in these scandals, it’s going to be difficult for him to do that,” said McCain on CBS’s “This Morning.”

“Far be it for me to give advice to the president of the United States, but you may remember after Iran Contra Ronald Reagan went on national television and said ‘I’m responsible, we’ve done wrong and I’m responsible,’ said McCain. “I’m not saying the president should do that, but the president I think should be thinking about how to get these issues behind him.”

The White House is facing congressional anger over the IRS scandal involving targeting of conservative groups, as well as the Justice Department’s seizure of reporters’ phone and email records in leak investigations and persistent questions over the administration’s handling of the Benghazi.

In a separate interview on NBC’s “Today” show, McCain addressed the IRS scandal and would not rule out the possibility that the targeting was directed from superiors at IRS headquarters in Washington, D.C., a charge leveled by House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

“I think that’s the reason why we need to have hearings, maybe even a select committee may be called for given the questions surrounding this investigation,” said McCain.

“I think we ought to wait and see how events unfold,” he added. “There may be an argument for a special counsel here, but let’s wait and see.”

Read more here

News from The Hill

House Oversight chair rips White House on blown deadline The White House’s regulatory office is neglecting its duties to inform Congress and the public about plans to enact new federal rules, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee contends.

In a letter shared with The Hill on Thursday, Rep. Darrell Issa (D-Calif.) demands information from newly installed White House budget director Sylvia Mathews Burwell about plans to issue its regulatory agenda.

Burwell oversees the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which is charged with compiling a list of proposed rules from federal agencies in a Unified Agenda, typically made public in spring and fall.

Last year, the agenda was not released until December, prompting criticism from Republicans who suggested the administration was withholding its rulemaking agenda for political reasons.

Read more here

Spring Cocktail Party

Friday, May 13th
6-9 PM
Old Library Restaurant
Olean NY

Dear Friends and colleagues;
Spring has arrived and your chairman is organizing for very important elections this year, in particular the election of our County Legislature. This, along with county judge, county clerk, and coroner will keep me and our committee very busy this exciting campaign season. I am energized!

All elections are critical to maintaining and building upon our Republican message and values throughout Cattaraugus County. Our village and town elections also prove that Republican candidates for local and higher offices often begin their elected careers in these exciting races, and we saw outstanding results most recently in the several village elections. Robert Parker and Alexander Nazemetz of Allegany created a significant upset with their win over their opponents in village trustee races and in the village of South Dayton trustee races Lynn Rupp and Dennis Ackley were victors also. We applaud the efforts of all local teams of energizing candidates and supporters throughout the entire county, and we look to carry the same messages through the crucial county legislature elections this fall.

To officially being these efforts, I look forward to seeing you at our annual Spring Cocktail party being held May 13th at 6-9 PM at the Old Library restaurant. Reservations are very important, so please call them to Sue Fries at 945-3589 or to me at 373-6352 by May 9th. Please make your checks payable to the Cattaraugus County Republican committee. For your convenience we have included a self addressed envelope with this letter. Chairman’s Club members; kindly remember to notify us of your reservations or those that may be using your tickets also.

You can stay updated on events, messages news articles and items from leaders within our NYS and Cattararaugus county Republican party by visiting our website at www.cattaraugusgop.com. Our young people are critically important in moving this country forward to an America they can afford and build their dreams in. They bring an abundance of knowledge for the use of technology, avenues for communication and message building. Please bring one of more of these folks with you to this event and help us build the Republican County Committee of tomorrow!

Again, thank you for all you do supporting our efforts and I look forward to visiting with you on the 13th.
Sincerely yours,

Paula J. Snyder
Chairman

One step closer...

After weeks of campaigning and candidates wooing voters across NYS the final hours of nail biting came to an abrupt end with the overwhelming victory of Carl Paladino candidate for Governor.

Greg Edwards’ equally important win, on the Lt. Gov line ensures that Western NY has a complete ticket to ride into Albany on a Train of Change bound east.

Also with Dan Donovan as our Attorney General, Harry Wilson as our State Comptroller, Tom Reed as our member of Congress , Catharine Young, NYS Senator and Joe Giglio as our Assemblyman our Albany team will be complete and the hemorrhaging of New York State will stop. We will recover, we will be stronger and New York State will thrive again.

Primary days are difficult for any party. But in this particular year, when the Republican Party and the nation as a whole have so much to gain from our victories in November, we need to constantly remember we have more similarities within our whole than we do differences. We cannot achieve these victories split and tattered, bloody and weakened by inner fighting and personal posturing.

We are excited and energized by each other. Get the signs, go to events, sign on to volunteer and let us know what you need to accomplish the work for our candidates throughout Cattaraugus County and New York State.

Make sure you get your reservations in for the Fall Dinner at the Old Library Restaurant on Friday September 26th at 6 PM where you will see our NYS Republican Committee Chairman Edward Cox along with other guests who will address the issues of the historical year in NYS Republican politics.

I look forward to seeing your there. Onward!

Paula

An exciting time!

Welcome to the new Cattaraugus GOP blog!

It's an exciting time for all of us on the party... And it all officially begins next Tuesday, September 14- PRIMARY DAY!

We have some amazing candidates this fall, and it is crucial that we take back our state. This all starts with getting out to vote Tuesday. For any questions dealing with the primary, please call our Republican Board of Elections Commissioner, Sue Fries at 938-2405.

Immediately after Primary Day, we'll be kicking things into high gear, getting our very competent candidates into office. We can ALWAYS use more volunteers, so if you have a little time to spare, get a hold of us.

Remember, our Fall Dinner will be held on Friday, September 24 at the Old Library Restaurant in Olean. Please call me at 373-6352 to R.S.V.P.

This is an incredible time for our county and our state. Get excited and get involved! It's time we get things back on track!

~Paula

Welcome to Our Blog!

The Cattaraugus County Republican Committee welcomes you to our online blog where we will post valuable information for our constituients regarding the Republican Party in our area. Stay tuned and thank you for visiting.