WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th Assembly District. April 7, 2006: Meeting in open conference committees, the Legislature once again reached a bipartisan budget agreement that invests in education and provides significant tax relief to Westchester residents. As Legislators we have a continuing obligation to stand up for the best interests of the citizens we represent. The Legislature’s bipartisan budget passed on-time accomplishes this goal.
Enhancing Education
The Legislature’s bi-partisan budget agreement makes the necessary investments to create smaller class sizes, keep school buildings up-to-date, and delivers property tax savings for Westchester residents. In total, schools in the 89th Assembly District will receive over $40.2 million in aid - an increase of $2.7 million over last year.
In addition, the Legislature restored cuts and provided additional funding to various worthwhile programs including BOCES, Teacher Centers, Teacher Mentor Intern, Employment Preparation Education and Special Education. The final budget agreement also provides:
· An increase of funds to the universal pre-kindergarten program; for schools in the 89th Assembly District that means $737,000
· Over $8.7 million to schools in the 89th Assembly District for capital projects through the newly created Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning (EXCEL) program
· An additional $2.8 million for the state Comptroller’s office for school audits – to make sure schools spend tax dollars wisely
· The Westchester Public Library System with $2.7 million – an increase of $203,407 over the governor’s proposal.
Tax Relief for Westchester Families
I fought for property tax rebates that will average $532 for Westchester homeowners who receive Basic STAR. For Enhanced STAR recipients, the average Westchester senior can expect a rebate of $822. We also added a cost of living adjustment for Enhanced STAR that will save eligible Westchester senior homeowners an additional $373. These enhancements are part of a broad package of tax cut savings for Westchester families, including:
· The Empire State Child Tax Credit – a maximum credit of $330 for each child ages 4 to 17 within certain incomes
· Eliminating the state sales tax on clothing and shoes under $110 – saving Westchester shoppers about $38 million a year
· Reducing the marriage tax penalty – saving married couples $41 million annually when fully phased in
· Tax credits for Nation Guard Members
The Legislature’s budget agreement invests in Westchester schools and responsibly mitigates local property taxes. I will continue working in the Assembly to make sure our schools have the resources they need while protecting our overburdened property taxpayers. I urge the governor to join that philosophy by ratifying our budget.
