WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. News Statement By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th A.D. April 26, 2006: The Legislature approved an on-time, bipartisan budget that was both balanced and fiscally responsible. Unfortunately, the governor used his veto pen in order to score political points at the expense of the elderly, school children, college students, and property taxpayers. That is unacceptable and exactly why the Legislature worked together today to override some of the governor’s vetoes - sending a bipartisan message that we’re fighting for a budget that New Yorkers deserve. Today, we voted to override the governor’s veto of the Legislature’s bipartisan tax-relief package, including:

o       Empire State Tax Credit – a maximum credit of $330 for each child age 4 to 17

o       Property tax rebates that average $532 for Westchester’s Basic STAR recipients and $822 for senior homeowners under the Enhanced STAR program

o       Reducing the marriage penalty tax – saving married couples $41 million when fully phased in

If left unchallenged, the governor’s vetoes would have prevented meaningful tax relief to Westchester’s overburdened taxpayers. Sadly, the governor has threatened to tie up portions of the budget in courts, based on legal technicalities – not democratic principals. I urge the governor to join us in providing New York residents with meaningful tax relief by not litigating on technicalities.