The New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has launched a new Web site, www.StopTheTaxShift.org, which focuses on the dangers of shifting state taxes and costs onto local governments and property taxpayers. StopTheTaxShift.org is designed to educate policymakers, the media, and New York's real property taxpayers about
(1) the important role state aid plays in keeping municipal property taxes in check and
(2) the state mandates that drive property taxes up.

Throughout the upcoming legislative session, StopTheTaxShift.org will be regularly updated to:

• Highlight the status of state aid to local governments -- aid that will directly impact the ability of local governments to provide essential services to the residents ofNew York and control the growth in property taxes;
• Offer a comprehensive list of state mandates on local governments, and feature a particular Mandate of the Week to raise public awareness and hold state officials accountable for the local tax impact such mandates have;
• Discuss, in practical terms, how actions in Albany affect the average New Yorker on Joe Taxpayer’s blog; and
• Provide a method for NYCOM members and the public to contact their state officials to voice their opposition to inefficient state mandates and their support for state aid to local governments.

Please take a moment to visit StopTheTaxShift.org, familiarize yourself with its important message, and let your elected state officials know that when New York State shifts its taxes and costs onto local governments, it is bad for property taxpayers and bad for New York.
www.stopthetaxshift.org