With the passage in the Assembly of a property tax cap bill and Senate action nearing, 122nd District Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush is pleased but he says that's just a first step.

Tax cap proposals have focused on setting a maximum two-percent per year rise in local property taxes, "however, a tax cap is just the first step toward making New York a more affordable place to live and do business," Blankenbush said.

"I will continue to work with Governor Cuomo and insist on unfunded mandate relief to alleviate the costly rules, regulations and paperwork that continue to burden local governments and school districts.

“We cannot have the tax cap without mandate relief, and I am confident that we can deliver this for local governments and taxpayers. Both measures are essential in order to fix our economy," Blankenbush said.

Blankenbush is a Republican from Black River and represents much of southern St. Lawrence County.