Gov. Paterson Calls Legislature Back To Cap Taxes

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Gov. David Paterson was calling the Legislature back before Election Day to force them to consider his proposed cap for local property taxes.

Paterson proposed to cap the annual growth of local school and government taxes, which were among the highest in the nation. The Senate has already passed the bill. It has been blocked in the Democrat-controlled Assembly.

Paterson's move was to put pressure on upstate and Long Island Democrats running for re-election because high property taxes are a major campaign issue. They were less of an issue in New York City, the core of the Assembly's Democratic majority.

Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook said the governor was to meet with legislative leaders this week to set a date for the extraordinary session, rare in an election season.

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