May 2014

State Raises SCRIE Eligibility Limit for Seniors to $50,000
After the recent passage of the FY2014-2015 New York State Budget, and for the first time in close to five years, the eligibility cap for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) will be raised from $29,000 to $50,000. The program helps reduce the cost of rent for New Yorkers 62 years and older. The recent increase will take effect on July 1, 2014. For more information, feel free to contact the Department of Finance’s Correspondence Unit at (212) 669-3155.
Hevesi to Host a Free E-Recycling Event in Forest Hills on May 18th
Assemblyman Hevesi, and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, in partnership with the Forest Hills Jewish Center and the Lower East Side Ecology Center, with assistance from the 112th Police Precinct, will be hosting a free electronic waste recycling event on Sunday, May 18th, from 10am to 4pm, rain or shine. The event will be held at the Forest Hills Jewish Center, located at 106-06 Queens Blvd. at 69th Road. Working and non-working electronic items will be accepted. NYC residents, small businesses, and not-for-profits are not limited to the amount of items that can be dropped off. Please contact our District Office for any further questions regarding this event at (718) 263-5595.
Hevesi Legislation Helps Prompt Reform of Smartphone Safeguards
As a response to the growing epidemic of smartphone and tablet thefts in New York State, Assemblyman Hevesi introduced legislation calling for a change in industry safety standards. The bill, A.09070, would provide the public with safeguards in situations where their smartphones or tablets were lost or stolen. This safeguard, commonly known as a ‘kill switch,’ would allow the purchaser of the device to remotely disable the product. The resale value of the product would thereby be reduced, and simultaneously discourage future theft of such devices. Earlier this month, influenced by this legislation, smartphone and tablet manufacturers agreed to adopt a nationwide industry standard paralleling the goals proposed by Assemblyman Hevesi and his colleagues, making the manufacturers of these products more accountable, while providing greater protection for consumers.
Hevesi Proposes Overhaul of Estate Laws to
Allow Executors to Access Electronic Accounts
The New York State Estates, Powers, and Trusts Laws (EPTL) govern the appropriation of a deceased individual’s property. Residents of New York State are increasingly storing their records, transactions, and personal effects on digital platforms. In an effort to bridge the disconnect between societal trends and the EPTL, Assemblyman Hevesi introduced A.8851. This bill allows the executor of a deceased individual’s estate the power to obtain access to, or copies of, the deceased’s electronic records. The executor will also have the ability to close out and obtain important information from the decedent’s accounts including credit card, online banking, and social media sites.
Office Locations:
District Office: 70-50 Austin Street, Suite 110, Forest Hills, NY 11375 • 718-263-5595
Albany Office: Room 742 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4926
Email: hevesia@assembly.state.ny.us