ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers want to know if a new state initiative aimed at reducing property taxes is working as intended.

A provision in the state budget directs local officials around the state to convene panels to study ways their counties, towns, cities and villages could save money by sharing services and consolidating programs.

The idea of the program, supported by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is to reduce the local tax burden by eliminating layers of bureaucracy and encouraging more efficiency.

Thirty-four counties have completed the process so far.

On Tuesday a committee of the state Assembly will look at the results.

Earlier this month Cuomo announced $10 million in extra funding for 19 local governments that took steps to consolidate.

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