Gov. David Paterson paid a visit to Long Island Wednesday to pitch his plan to cap school property taxes for families.

Paterson is endorsing a plan devised by the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief that calls for the capping of property tax increases at 4 percent a year. The commission was appointed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer in January before he left office.

Districts that want to tax at a higher rate would have to get 55 percent of its voters to approve it. Gov. Paterson wants lawmakers to adopt the cap before they go out of session June 23, but is willing to give Albany a little wiggle room for hearings.

Critics say the plan could end up costing Long Island taxpayers more than it?s designed to save them. Some teachers and school boards say once the tax cap is in place, lawmakers will have an easy out to shortchange districts and middle-income homeowners.

The Long Island Association says a tax cap without more education dollars from Albany could drive down home values and jeopardize the quality of education.

Click for more from the opponents of the plan

To watch Paterson?s press conference detailing his support for the plan, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.