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The New York City Council is moving to fast-track legislation that would give surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty a property tax break of up to 50%, though some council members worry Mayor Zohran Mamdani could try to block it.
According to the New York Post, the bill is being drafted by Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, a Manhattan Democrat, and is expected to have broad bipartisan support. The legislation would allow New York City to opt into a state law that was unanimously approved by the state Legislature and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December.
Council Speaker Julie Menin told the New York Post she supports the move. "The loss of a first responder in the line of duty is an unimaginable tragedy, and we have a responsibility to support their families," the Manhattan Democrat said. "Legislation will be introduced on this important matter, and the Council will evaluate this proposal to bring support to their immediate loved ones."
Abreu said the bill "makes sure we stand by the families who sacrificed everything for New York." "When a first responder gives their life for this city, their family should never be left struggling," he said. "We owe them more than sympathy."
Council Minority Leader David Carr said he hopes the full 50% break is offered. "These officers made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, so the least we can do is help ease the financial burden for their families," the Staten Island Republican said. "This property tax exemption for surviving spouses would provide a big impact at a relatively low cost."
The bill is expected to cover a few hundred surviving spouses of New York City police officers, according to union leaders. To pass without the mayor's support, it would need backing from at least 34 of the Council's 51 members to override a potential veto.
Some council members are concerned Mamdani could use the bill as leverage in ongoing budget negotiations. Councilwoman Joann Ariola of Queens voiced that concern directly. "My only concern is that the mayor may try and hold it hostage for his budget negotiations," she said. "I hope he is above using these families as yet another scare tactic in his budget war, but sadly I won't hold my breath."
Mamdani is already locked in a tense budget standoff with the Council over his proposed $127 billion city budget. He has claimed property taxes will need to rise by 9.5% unless Governor Hochul raises income taxes on the wealthy. His representatives did not respond to requests for comment on the tax break proposal.
Some communities have already opted into the state law. The town of Huntington, on Long Island, is among them — and Lisa Tuozzolo, the widow of slain NYPD Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo, lives there. Sergeant Tuozzolo was shot and killed in Queens in 2016 while trying to apprehend a suspect who had held his family at gunpoint.
Lisa Tuozzolo, who has two sons now aged 10 and 13, said she is grateful for the support but carries a deep sense of loss. "I honestly would rather pay my taxes in full and have my husband here," she said.
Lou Civello, president of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, praised the legislation and its state sponsor, Senator Monica Martinez, a Suffolk Democrat. "It recognizes the sacrifice of the line of duty heroes," Civello said. "Their families continue to sacrifice every single day."
The Council has not yet announced a vote date for the bill. Its progress may depend in part on how budget negotiations between Mayor Mamdani and the Council unfold in the coming weeks.
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