Recently, the Tax Relief Commission led by former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Comptroller H. Carl McCall issued its recommendations to save New Yorkers $2 billion in taxes over the next three years. The commission recognized immediately that New York’s tax burden is too expensive for homeowners and is crippling the state’s economy, weakening its ability to compete globally as well as with other states.

Last year, we passed a 2 percent property tax cap, which has helped to slow the growth of property taxes. I am pleased to see that most municipalities have tried to adhere to the property tax cap. But what if New York flat out freezes property taxes? That’s exactly what the tax commission is recommending.

The tax commission is proposing to freeze property taxes through a rebate program. During the first year of the program, homeowners who live in municipalities where property tax growth is kept within the 2 percent cap will receive a rebate equal to the increase on their property tax bill.

The following year, municipalities and schools will have to prove that they have taken meaningful steps to provide savings and permanent reductions in spending through shared services or consolidation. When they do, homeowners will be given another rebate.

It sounds a bit radical, but something must be done. I know many of our municipalities and schools are striving to save public tax dollars, but the addition of rebates being tied to common-sense budgeting will keep public officials more accountable to the property taxpayers they serve.

It’s a bold proposal, but I think homeowners who are struggling to pay their tax bills will appreciate this effort. There are many other proposals, but this one will have an immediate and positive effect on families and communities.

The Tax Relief Commission’s plan to freeze property taxes is a good start. But if we are going to offer bold solutions to provide tax relief for middle-class families, why stop there. We could also double the STAR property tax rebate, which would on average save families and qualified seniors $1,400 a year. Thinking big and bold, we should really offer up a 2 percent income-tax rate cut to middle-class taxpayers, which would save families an average of $1,033. When it comes to providing New York’s families with tax relief, we will need new and fresh ideas like these.

I will be encouraging my legislative colleagues to adopt these proposals, and will continue to push for additional measures to reduce the tax burden on hardworking families and job creators. If you have ideas or suggestions about reducing taxes in New York, please feel free to contact me.

Marc W. Butler (R,C,I–Newport) is a New York State Assemblyman for the 118th District, which encompasses parts of Oneida, Herkimer, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as all of Hamilton and Fulton counties. Contact him at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us