Gov. Andrew Cuomo is issuing a threat to force state lawmakers into approving a permanent 2 percent property tax cap in a move that could protect homeowners and jeopardize an on-time state budget.

Long Islanders are taxed at some of the highest rates in the nation.

"Property taxes are a killer," said Cuomo, who is promising to hold up the state budget if he doesn't get his way.

The spending plan is supposed to be approved by April 1.

State Sen. Jim Gaughran sponsored the bill to make the 2 percent property tax cap permanent. He says it's vital since the state and local tax deductions were taken away as a part of the Trump administration's tax plan.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran also backs the permanent tax plan, calling it "incredibly important."

Some Long Islanders say the 2 percent cap is still too much.