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With the planned closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plants, residents in Cortlandt and Buchanan are expecting major revenue shortfalls.
Their local governments and the Hendrick Hudson School District want to start saving now.
State Sen. Terrence Murphy, a Republican from Yorktown, has criticized the state Task Force's inaction and proposed a tax stabilization fund of $27 million for Westchester County, the Town of Cortlandt, the Village of Buchanan and the Hendrick Hudson School District.
Murphy said, "It has been more than a year since Governor (Andrew) Cuomo announced the closure of Indian Point and nothing has been done to help the local taxpayers. The time is now. This isn't about politics but helping people stay in their homes. Albany caused this mess and it should pay for it!"
With just a few days left until the 2018-19 state budget is due, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat from Rye, added his support for immediate action.
In this memo of support sent to state lawmakers, Latimer offered a helping hand to push the measure through as negotiations continue. (Attached below)
Latimer, a former state senator, said, "I applaud Senator Murphy's efforts to see that the people of Cortlandt and Buchanan get the help they need. At last week's task force meeting I pledged the County's support in helping to mitigate the potential property tax hit and I am more than happy to join forces with Senator Murphy to achieve that. This is about helping local taxpayers continue to call our great county home."
The tax stabilization fund, as well as language to protect the 1,200 jobs at Indian Point, were included in the Senate's one-house budget that was passed earlier this month.
This marked the first time any legislative recognition was given to the issue of Indian Point since its closure was announced.
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