WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By WPCNR 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. May 14, 2004: The enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) program helps seniors afford to stay in their homes by reducing the amount they pay for school taxes. Enhanced STAR saves eligible Westchester senior homeowners, 65 and over, an average of $2,640 per year. Other eligible homeowners can save $1,680 per year with basic STAR benefits.
Last year, the Legislature blocked the governor’s attempt to freeze STAR benefits and raised income eligibility limits to $63,750 – so do not miss out on STAR savings if you qualify. In many local communities, the deadline to apply to take advantage of the savings is June 1st – unless last year you signed up for the Income Verification program. By entering the Income Verification program, you will not have to reapply every year. The state will automatically and confidentially confirm your eligibility. If you don’t qualify for enhanced benefits and have already applied for basic STAR, you don’t need to reapply.
The following towns have the June 1 deadline. For more information, I encourage you to contact your local assessor:
Bedford – 666-5149
Harrison – 835-2000
Lewisboro – 763-3034
New Castle – 238-4722
North Castle – 273-3324
Pound Ridge – 764-5511
Mount Kisco – 241-0500
I am continuing my efforts to improve the STAR program. Legislation I sponsored would make more seniors eligible for enhanced STAR benefits by treating pension and retirement income the same way I.R.A. income is treated and eliminating them from the income level requirements (A.9530). Another bill would allow seniors to substitute more recent income tax returns if it helps them meet enhanced STAR requirements (A.7873).
To provide additional property tax relief, I’ve also sponsored legislation for the state to assume a larger portion of Medicaid costs, providing critical property tax relief for Westchester County taxpayers (A.4240 and A.9924). These proposals would relieve the Medicaid burden on local governments. My legislation would cap the county Medicaid costs at 2003 levels. In Westchester alone, the projected savings next year would be nearly $50 million.
Seniors should be able to keep their homes and continue contributing to the well-being of our communities. I’m committed to helping seniors maintain their independence and enjoy their retirement, and will continue working to provide all Westchester residents with much-needed tax relief.
