Printer-friendly versionE.J. McMahon
E.J. McMahon argues for capping levies. He also mentions that the local governments and school districts need to be given options for different pension benefits when considering new hires.
E.J. McMahon argues that property cap inequity correlates with Medicaid burden. He also expresses skepticism of a state takeover of Medicaid.
E.J. McMahon mentions that surges in state aid correlates with surges in state spending and is thus unsustainable. He also argues that STAR is a property tax subsidy that ultimately increases the tax.
E.J. McMahon explains overrides in Massachusetts Proposition 2 1/2 and their virtues. He also argues that capping STAR may address certain inequities.
E.J. McMahon argues that a cap forces legislature to confront consequences of their actions. For example, with teacher pensions, a cap would force legislature to consider pension costs for new hirings because the school tax would be capped.
John Faso
John Faso speaks about the impact of taxes on cost of living and job growth. He argues that property tax caps are needed.
John Faso asks whether property taxes are being spent well. He argues that the analysis of property tax expenditures shouldn't focus only on the numbers, rather it should also consider the actual impact. He also states that current taxes are not proportionate to wealth of counties.
John Faso argues that STAR and excessive school aid tends to accelerate local spending.
Martha Stark
Martha Stark argues that property tax rebates must be equitably distributed (especially at local tax level). She also argues that the current tax structure is too old and should be reformed.
Martha Stark explains that, generally, NYC's policy is to shift tax savings so to alleviate tax burden or to fill other needs.
Martha Stark explains why assessment cap is ineffective and should be replaced by levy cap.
Martha Stark explains why an assessment cap is ineffective and should be replaces by a levy cap.
Sandy Galef
Sandy Galef believes that there should be a continued debate on circuit breakers, that there should be assessment reform and more tax equity, and argues for the consolidation of local government and local services.
Sandy Galef argues that high tax aid from the state is inequitably distributed - give it to everybody, or nobody.
Sandy Galef mentions that she likes Massachusetts' Proposition 2 1/2, but argues that not all caps are good. She also states that middle-income STAR is no longer related exclusively to school tax.
Sandy Galef explains the why district school spending increases despite state school aid.
Laura Anglin
Laura Anglin explains that school aid is now based on local wealth (foundation aid formula). She also states that the administration is trying to implement Medicaid policy that encourages fairness and efficiency.
Laura Anglin mentions that the administration's Contract for Excellence is a step forward in better school aid distribution.
Laura Anglin explains how counties pay for Medicaid with a cap.
Ken Adams
Ken Adams briefly discusses the difference between Private and Public sector health care burden. Furthermore, he discusses the property tax burden on businesses. He also argues that the state must control state spending, if only to give a positive message of progress for business.
