Collins-Faso Language to Cut New York Property Taxes Included in Senate Health Bill Draft

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Chris Collins (R-Clarence) and Congressmen John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today expressed satisfaction upon learning that the language based on Faso's Property Tax Reduction Act (PTRA), which was inserted by Collins as part of the House's American Health Care Act (AHCA), was also included in the Senate's draft healthcare legislation released on Thursday.

"For decades, Albany's Medicaid mandate and resulting property taxes have burdened New Yorkers unlike in any other state. What we've got to show for this scheme is people fleeing our state in droves, businesses relocating, and crushing and often unpayable bills for those who stay behind," said Rep. Faso. He added, "The language in the Senate bill will fulfill the objective of the Property Tax Reduction Act, and give New Yorkers some long overdue property tax relief. Governor Cuomo's false and hysterical charges about this provision are unfortunate. Rather than false claims, Mr. Cuomo should start preparing to reform his Medicaid program and finally take full responsibility for the program, as governors in the other states are already doing," continued Faso.

Representative Chris Collins added, "This is important and welcome news for New Yorkers that the Senate leaders have recognized the burdens placed upon taxpayers for far too long and included our amendment to force Albany to end its unfunded mandate on New York's counties once and for all. We are on track to ending the Obamacare nightmare and I am pleased with the progress made today to bring vital reforms and the largest property tax reduction ever enacted to Western New York."

Faso's Property Tax Reduction Act amends federal law to require New York State to take over the county portion of Medicaid by 2020. Federal law now permits states to share some of their costs with local governments, but only New York State among the 50 states has imposed this level of burden on property taxpayers, prompting Faso to campaign on this issue in 2016.

Representative Tom Reed (NY-23) also expressed his support for the language, "I am glad to see that Senate leadership recognized the importance of this amendment. Albany cannot be allowed to force its share of Medicaid onto the backs of County taxpayers. Residents are fleeing the state because we have some of the highest property taxes in the country. Relief for hardworking New Yorkers is long overdue. I would like to thank both Congressman Faso and Collins for their work to make this tax cut a reality."