New York Gov. David Paterson is moving too hastily in embracing recommendations developed by the state Commission on Property Tax Relief.

Only one day after the release of a preliminary report (the final version is due in December), the governor's office said that the commission's principal recommendation #- a cap of 4 percent on school property taxes #- should be signed into law.

We support a cap on property taxes, but there are still too many unanswered questions about this proposal.

If 4-percent tax increases fail to adequately provide for quality education, state aid is going to have to make up the difference. But where is the state going to find the money?

Indeed, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli issued a statement Tuesday expressing concern about the state's ability “to keep its end of the bargain” and continue to increase funding for education “given our current financial condition.” He further suggests that New Yorkers need to scrutinize tax caps for the impact they could ultimately have on student performance.

Paterson is in such a rush to move on this issue that he said he'll bring the Legislature back for a special session if lawmakers fail to act on it before the June 23 end of the current session.

Why the sudden urgency?

None of the stakeholders have yet had a chance to study this proposal and provide any feedback on it #- or alternatives to it.

We don't want to see this pushed through by lawmakers eager to be able to say “I voted for tax relief,” because there's a real chance the cap won't be the effective tool it should be. If keeping property taxes in check means raising taxes and fees elsewhere to make up the difference, then the average taxpayer isn't going to be any better off than before.