The recently released Suffolk County Homeowners Tax Reform Commission report deserves praise for its recommendation against the introduction of a new income tax to replace our current excessive property taxes. In addition

to the many valid reasons cited against introducing a new income tax, there is the added concern that such a move would simply enable school districts to further increase their excessive spending levels. The key issue is not from

which pocket to take more of the taxpayers' money, but rather how to slow the incredible pace of school district spending.

A second report will deal with the spending issue. Long Islanders for Educational Reform (LIFER) strongly urges the members of the Commission to Evaluate School District Expenses and Efficiency to carefully consider recommending to our Albany legislators

the need to address the increasing costs of school employee pensions and health

benefits.

As private industry increasingly moves towards pensions funded equally by employees

and employers, so also should our school districts. The current system of unfunded or under funded mandates from Albany must also be changed. In addition, health

insurance costs should be borne more equally between school employees and

taxpayers. Today taxpayers pay 80 percent or more of these health insurance costs.

Finally, the Commission must address many common sense approaches recommended by concerned taxpayers. Both our children and taxpayers would benefit from competition

in our educational system through education tax credits or scholarships. If Long Islanders are to remain on Long Island with affordable taxes and quality education, some fundamental changes are required. We sincerely hope the report from this second Suffolk Commission due this spring deals with these questions openly and fairly.

For further information contact : info@lischooltax.con

For Suffolk CO.  Homeowners Tax Reform Commission Report