Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) announced that both houses of the Legislature passed a bill he authored to establish more equitable distribution of property taxes in the town of Islip (A.7281-A).

“Property taxpayers in Islip are facing a potentially significant increase in taxes based on the value of their property,” said Assemblyman Ramos. “The legislation I authored will hold the line on property taxes and keep more money in the pockets of hardworking families.”

Currently in Suffolk County, property taxes are set to increase by as much as 5 percent between different classes of property based on real property values. In previous tax years from 2005-2014, property tax differentials for Suffolk County were capped at 1 percent, providing considerable relief. Assemblyman Ramos’ legislation would extend the authority to cap the property tax differential at 1 percent for the 2015-16 tax assessments.

“Middle-class families are already struggling with the high cost of living, and the last thing they need is to be hit with higher property taxes,” added Assemblyman Ramos. “This bill will prevent an unfair increase in property taxes for Islip families, helping to keep taxes down and giving families some much-need relief.”