The worst in the nation. That's what the Washington, D.C. based Tax Foundation says about the tax burden in New York State. As our Nick Reisman tells us, this comes despite recent efforts by the governor and the legislature.

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NEW YORK STATE -- That New York has a high-tax reputation and poor image in the business community isn't new. But on Tuesday, the Washington-based Tax Foundation found the state's tax climate ranking slipped to dead last out of all 50 states even as Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state is open for business.

“New York has some of the highest rates on individual income taxes and also some of the highest property tax rates in the country,” said Scott Drenkard, Tax Foundation economist.

New York fell from 49th to 50th this year when it comes to tax climate. In the basement with New York: New Jersey, California and Vermont. Economists say it's the sky-high property tax burden that gives New York a poor climate for businesses to come here.

Drenkard said, “These can play huge roles on where businesses decided to locate. So property taxes are among some of the highest taxed costs businesses face every year and the cost of doing business in New York is higher than most places.”

The announcement comes as Cuomo is trying to reverse the state's image as being bad for business.

In statement, a Cuomo spokesman said, “When he took office, Governor Cuomo recognized that taxes on New York’s residents and businesses were far too high which is why he enacted the state’s first ever property tax cap, established the lowest tax rate for the middle class in 58 years and brought state spending under control.”

Then there's the cap on local and school property taxes, a signature economic measure that the governor pushed for last year. Cuomo insists the cap is keeping taxes down.

“When we actually got it done, it was, I believe, evidence that this is a different day. It wasn't just the same speech, promising change and then nothing happens,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo invested millions into a national advertising campaign touting a new business friendly image, including emerging markets ranging from Greek yogurt to nanotechnology.

Some business groups say the campaign doesn't help the fact that taxes are too high.

“Regardless of Robert DeNiro's voice and Alicia Keyes banging on the piano, it's not going to make any entrepreneur decide to start up a business here. It's not keeping existing businesses sustaining or even their heads above water,” said NFIB Legislative Director Mike Durant.

The Tax Foundation's report will likely push fiscal conservatives in the state Legislature for tax cuts. Only the state probably couldn't afford that right now: There's still a one billion dollar deficit projected in the coming fiscal year.