Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) voted today to pass $532 million in tax relief for New Yorkers in the 2014-15 Budget. The bill outlined multiple tax relief measures impacting manufacturing; tax relief to help family-owned businesses and farms, certain volunteer firefighter retirees; and tax credits to workers with disabilities, and youth workers. Blankenbush, however, criticized the property tax freeze credit also included in the bill, which he sees as an election-year gimmick rather than a real relief plan for homeowners.

“New Yorkers deserve real relief from the state’s burdensome taxes, and I am pleased to say that I helped pass $532 million worth. From manufacturers to small-business owners and family farmers, there is relief,” said Blankenbush.

Blankenbush’s vote approved multiple tax reduction measures that will help the economy. Qualified manufacturers will see a reduction in income rate taxes and a real property tax credit to go toward corporate franchise and income taxes. This measure is broadly supported.

Assemblyman Blankenbush voted to bring the estate tax exemption threshold in-line with federal levels to protect New York’s family-owned farms and small businesses. Previously, the threshold was quite low for modern small businesses and family farms, and it negatively impacted many of Blankenbush’s constituents.

Blankenbush also applauds several other measures that benefit volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, and give tax credits to workers with disabilities and young workers who are also enrolled in high school full time.

While supporting several tax initiatives in this year’s budget, Blankenbush decried the property tax freeze plan included in the 2014-15 spending plan.

“While I am supportive of efforts to provide property tax relief, I feel the property tax freeze in this budget is only a gimmick. Municipalities continue to receive the blame for problems that were created by Albany. The governor and legislature can no longer ignore the truth – unfunded mandates are what drive property taxes to unrealistic levels. I will continue to fight for meaningful mandate relief so homeowners realize substantial and lasting property tax savings, not just a freeze.”