To pay for public employee pensions
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/12/pensions-eat-70-of-decatur-illinois.html
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/12/pensions-eat-70-of-decatur-illinois.html

Quote from nutmeg:
Every once in a while the politicians in NY blather about capping property tax rates, this is DOA, pension short falls are linked to property taxes to make up any unfunded liabilities. It's a lock. We are screwed.
Now Obamer (I'm pretty sure but don't quote me) has elimminated the property tax deduction off the Fed return. Beat me rape me make me write bad checks.![]()