White Plains CitizeNetReporter - <i>Adam In Albany:</i> Common Sense Reforms for Seniors and Children

WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam Bradley. April 7, 2003: Every day there are headlines about the legislature in Albany. What doesn't get coverage though, is some of the most important work being done. As a legislator I have found that so often it's the little things, not the loudest things, that make the most significant difference for people.

Perhaps the most meaningful work I do as an Assemblyman is in working with constituents to make common sense reforms in the programs that effect them the most.

Recently, a senior citizen from our district approached me with a problem he was having in applying for the enhanced STAR property tax exemption. This gentleman, like so many seniors in these difficult economic times, suffered considerable losses to his investments and savings in the last year. His losses were so extensive that he became eligible, based on his last year's income, for the enhanced STAR tax exemption, but because of a bureaucratic anomaly the State would not process his application for the program using his latest tax return.

I have introduced legislation that would correct this problem. My bill (A.6859) would allow seniors to file the most recent tax return available to qualify for the enhanced STAR exemption. Government bureaucracy should never force senior citizens to pay more than their fair share of taxes.

Among those most in need of our help are children without caring families and permanent homes. For many years I have served as an advocate for children in Westchester County and I have witnessed up close the need for reforms in how these children are treated by government social services.

It is common sense that the best place for children who are without parents is in the home of caring and capable relatives. I recently sponsored Assembly bill (A.7379) to address this problem. It would allow children without parents to remain permanently in the homes of capable and loving relatives when the relatives choose not to enter into adoption proceedings.

This legislation is a common sense step. It would allow a loving relative to have the status of a permanent guardian and would change the lives of children and their caregivers in immeasurable ways.

Unfortunately, children are often taken away from loving relatives when the relative is unable to or chooses not to adopt. Clearly, living permanently with a loving relative is better for any child then lingering in foster care.


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