Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I,Ref-Smithtown) joined Reclaim New York in calling to remove numerous tax increases which were included in budget proposals put forth by the governor and Assembly Majority and to pass reforms to other spending and budget processes. Reclaim New York is a non-partisan organization calling attention to matters concerning affordability, transparency, and education in state and local government.

“New York has one of the worst business climates in the country and some of the most burdensome taxes imposed on families. This must change in order for our communities to thrive and grow,” said Fitzpatrick, who is a member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. “Over the years our state budgets have become bloated taking into little account the impact on the residents of the state. These taxes must be reduced and spending needs to be cut now.”

The tax burdens and hostile business climate have driven residents and businesses out in droves. Roughly 1 million New Yorkers have abandoned the state since 2010.

Fitzpatrick sponsors many budget reform and tax relief bills. He sponsors legislation to impose stricter spending caps in the state budget (A.5942), reform lump-sum spending in the budget to instill more accountability (A.5657A), and provide unfunded mandate relief through a moratorium (A.5628) and reform (A.1680). He crafted his own legislation, the New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act (A.9900), which addresses growing tax burdens through unfunded mandate relief on local government and schools. Additionally, he supports other business-friendly legislation, including small business tax reforms (A.5609, A5423) and the repeal of the job-killing corporate franchise tax (A.6758).