Teachers union withholds support for legislators who back tax cap

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

New York’s powerful teachers union is withholding its endorsement from lawmakers who vote for Gov. David Paterson’s tax cap proposal.

Losing the endorsement, votes and campaign support from local teachers — and campaign funding from New York State United Teachers — could be a big blow to incumbents. Veteran Senate Republicans facing stiffer Democratic opposition this year and the possible loss of their majority would be particularly vulnerable.

The Senate’s GOP majority last week supported the Democratic governor’s proposal to cap growth of the nation’s highest property tax at 4 percent annually, unless local voters overwhelmingly agree to higher spending.

The Assembly could face a vote in Tuesday’s special session.