Judge tosses NY teachers union’s challenge to property tax cap

A State Supreme Court judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by New York’s largest teachers union, which challenged a property tax cap on the grounds that it is unfair to low-income districts.

The New York State United Teachers union had argued the tax cap and a tax freeze program took control away from local school districts and had a disproportionate impact on poorer students, the Associated Press reported. The tax cap sought to rein in high property taxes by limiting the rate at which school districts and local governments can increase tax levies, according to the news service.

Justice Patrick McGrath rejected the arguments, saying the measure preserved local control because it allows governments to exceed the tax cap if a supermajority of 60 percent of voters give their consent, the AP reported.

Justice McGrath allowed the union to amend its lawsuit, and leaders said they would probably continue to fight the tax cap. [Crain’s] – Tom DiChristopher