Tax relief proposal for closed prisons rejected

ALBANY | A bill presented to New York State Legislature in March that would have given much-needed tax relief to local municipalities affected by prison closures has been rejected — apparently split divisively down party lines. Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) introduced legislation (A.4937) that would have provided local municipalities, schools and other special taxing districts with full market-assessed tax revenues provided by full property tax payments from the state for closed state prisons. With nearly 30 correctional facility closures over recent years, communities have been left with significant economic voids. This bill aimed to hold the state responsible for its part in the social contract it entered into when approaching these communities for housing criminal offenders. Unfortunately, the legislation was blocked in committee by Democrats and will not reach the floor for a vote, Simpson said May 16. "I am flustered by the interference of partisan politics in what is otherwise apolitical legislation that unilaterally helps residents across the state. My goal was to hold New York responsible for the dozens of closed correctional facilities throughout the state that are currently squeezing taxpayers. We have to hold the state accountable for the facilities it abruptly closes down which leaves hundreds of corrections officers and staff unemployed or forced to relocate. The closure of these facilities has had destructive consequences on surrounding communities," said Simpson.

Signup for our newsletter

Tax relief proposal for closed prisons rejected

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS