NEW YORK, NY December 02, 2008 —Governor Paterson is getting support in his effort to cap New York State's property tax rate. A new report from his Commission on Property Tax Relief recommends ways the state could cap local school taxes.

The Commission's Chair, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, says the report offers new ideas for school districts to save money, especially during the recession.

SUOZZI: We can either increase state aid, which we are not in the position to do obviously because of the economic downturn for the whole economy, or we can keep on increasing property taxes that the governor, nor I, nor commission members and 74 percent of the people don't think is a good idea. Or the third thing we can do is reduce the rate of growth of expense and reduce expenses.

REPORTER: The report also suggests school districts rein in the costs of salaries, pensions and health care, as well as their general operating and capital expenses.

The commission urges lawmakers to reform laws and mandates, which drive up government spending, and avoid introducing any new ones that aren't funded.