Western Theme Party

Cuomo touts tax-increase limit in event at Lancaster home

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo ventured into the heart of Western New York suburbia Tuesday to ceremonially sign a property tax increase limit that he called the "crown jewel" of the just-completed legislative session.

Butn the front lawn of the Martin family residence in Lancaster, Cuomo also challenged local governments, which have complained that state mandates cripple their spending-control efforts, to make the tax increase limit work.

"Government keeps saying we need more money, but the taxpayer doesn't have any more money," the governor told reporters. "Government is going to have to do what families have done and what business has had to do. They're going to have to find savings."

The Lancaster ceremony, with Ian and Jennifer Martin and their three sons looking on, was part of a continuing "victory lap" the governor has taken in recent days to highlight what he called "a great year in Albany doing the people's work." As he did last week in two similar events in Nassau and Westchester counties, he touted several other legislative accomplishments -- though he did not mention legalization of same sex marriage.

But more than any other legislative accomplishment, he dwelled on the tax increase limit that he maintains will strip the state of its title as "tax capital of the nation."

The new law will limit annual increases in property tax levies to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Local voters could override the limit with a 60 percent majority.

And while local officials counter that the state still must reduce its requirements on local government -- especially in helping to pay for Medicaid -- Cuomo reiterated familiar calls for school districts and other governments to consolidate and benefit from economies of scale by reducing bureaucracy that he described as bloated.

The days of simply raising taxes to cover costs are over, and reducing expenses on all levels must now rank as a top priority, he said.

"No one has done it more than the state has done it; we actually have a reduction in our budget," he said.

"There has been a major shift in the trajectory of the state," he added. "It says New York gets it."

Cuomo was joined at the Martin home in a sparkling new Lancaster subdivision by just about all of the Republican and Democratic members of the local delegation in the State Legislature, except Sen. Mark J. Grisanti, the Buffalo Republican who has garnered national attention with his June 24 vote to legalize same sex marriage.

Western Party Theme Ideas for Your Childs Special Event ...

Wondering what kind of party to organize for your child? Do not wonder too much, but mount the horse of your imagination and prepare a western party theme . The most appropriate place is your backyard. Free some space and arrange several tables where the children may sit comfortably. Look on the Internet for some interesting western party theme ideas. You can choose from thousands of supplies, typical for the Wild West; from western theme invitations to cowbells. The most popular would be the colorful cowboy hat. Be sure to give every child one.

A good idea is to put some cactuses around. Children like to play games. Organize a small competition for the best cowboy and cowgirl dancer; this will require a country music CD. Organize western activities, such as “Pass the Hat” game, that will engage the children’s’ attention and motivate their participation. Take a picture of every child to give them a memorable keepsake from the party.

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