Politics on the Hudson

Responding to talk among state senators to limit the property-tax exemptions given to non-profits, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio said the state should cut spending instead.

“If a bill is proposed that contains provisions to tax hospitals, religious entities, educational institutions, and other legitimate not-for-profits, it would hurt New York’s economy,” Lazio said in a statement.

“We need to stop the tax-first mentality in Albany and really focus on eliminating government waste and cutting spending. If we focus on not-for-profits to close our budget gaps, we may threaten organizations that provide services and hope to the poorest and most vulnerable among us.”