State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has commented on the property tax cap and mandate relief measures adopted by the state senate on Monday, January 31, saying the legislation, which he co-sponsored, will help families "afford to stay in their homes, assist business owners including farmers struggling to make ends meet, and free local governments and schools from costly state mandates." Under the property tax cap, tax levy growth would be limited to 2 percent or 120 percent of the annual increase in the consumer price index, whichever is less. The mandate relief provision would require that the state fund any new requirements imposed on local governments or school districts. The measure's future in the state Assembly, which passed a similar but less severe-on=local-schools-and-municipalities "circuit breaker" form of tax relief last year, is unsure at this point. To hear Seward's statement, click here.