In the past five years, the issue of taxes has become one of the top concerns for people living in the Mid-Hudson Valley. It now receives an average score of 7.9 out of a high score of 10 from Mid-Hudson Valley residents. This is an increase from the average score of 7.3 it received in 2002.
Five years ago, residents generally considered taxes to be an important priority but did not view it as one of the most significant issues facing the region. Reducing taxes ranked only ninth out of nineteen priorities.
Indeed, anxiety over the tax burden is much greater than it was just five years ago. In 2002, just 35% of Mid-Hudson Valley residents considered it to be a top priority worthy of the highest rating of 10. Today, nearly half, 49%, of residents in the Mid-Hudson region rates it as a priority with a top score of 10.
In 2002, only Putnam County residents ranked taxes among their five highest priorities. Reducing taxes now ranks on the list of top six priorities for residents in all seven counties.
The need to reduce taxes is now the highest ranking priority for residents of Putnam County. It ranks as the number two concern in both Columbia and Orange Counties and ranks third in Ulster County.
Reducing the tax burden has become a much higher priority for most people in the Mid-Hudson region. It now ranks among the top five priorities for many residents.
