Rebate checks a good start; more relief still needed
STAR property tax rebate checks are starting to appear in Amherst property taxpayers' mailboxes as a result of legislation passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Spitzer as part of the 2007-2008 New York State budget.

I strongly supported the enactment of this property tax cut as a way to return state surplus funds directly to overburdened property taxpayers and homeowners who pay some of the highest combined taxes in the nation.

While the implementation of the rebate program seems to be going smoothly, a number of residents have contacted my office with questions about changes that were made to this year's method of calculating the specific amount of the rebate checks. I am happy to try and explain several of the year-to-year differences.

Last year, rebate checks were sent to all STAR recipients, regardless of family income. This year, Gov. Spitzer proposed (and the legislature agreed) to adjust the amount of the rebate check sent to Basic STAR recipients based on three income categories (under $90,000; over $90,000 and up to $150,000; over $150,000 up to $250,000).

Rebate amounts were also determined based on the tax rate for the school district where the property is located.

For example, families who earn under $90,000 and live in the Williamsville school district are set to receive a rebate check of $353.38. A family within that same income range who lives in the Sweet Home school district will receive a check for $249.69.

The difference is represented by the different tax rates paid in Williamsville and Sweet Home.

Seniors who are 65 years or older, with a family income less than $67,850 and are enrolled in the Enhanced STAR Program, will receive a check equal to 25 percent of their STAR exemption.

That means seniors who are enrolled in enhanced STAR and live in the Williamsville school district will receive $278.78 and seniors living in the Sweet Home school district will receive $196.98.

While all of these rebate checks are welcome, it seems to me that more should be done to increase the amount that is being received - for seniors, middle income families - everyone.

That's why I've joined with my Assembly Republican colleagues to draft legislation that would dramatically increase the amount of STAR rebates, cut the bureaucratic costs associated with the administration of the program and make the amount sent to seniors at least equal to that of the basic star recipients.

Getting the leaders of the legislature and the Governor to agree on cutting spending to cut tax rates in the first place is my key objective - and a difficult task. But it's a fight I'm committed to continuing as your representative in the State Assembly.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please do not hesitate to write to me at my district office, 5555 Main Street, Williamsville, N.Y. 14221 or call 634-1895.

Send me your views via e-mail at hayesj@ assembly. state. ny. us