Assemblyman Marc Butler (R,C,I-Newport) joined his colleagues in the Assembly minority conference in pledging support to all homeowners in New York state. With the budget deadline of April 1 less than a week away, Butler pledged not to vote for any state budget that doesn’t include significant property tax relief this year.
“The majority’s proposed budget will actually hurt homeowners throughout the state allowing property taxes to slowly creep up and costing more money for years to come,” said Butler. “Middle class families won’t receive the relief they so desperately need under the majority’s plan.”
Under the majority’s plan, to receive a tax break a homeowner’s property taxes must be greater than 7.5 percent of their household income, meaning that a working family with a household income of $70,000 and a property tax bill of $5,250 or less would not receive any relief. The maximum amount homeowners could receive this year if they qualify would be $200.
“Property taxes are out of sight in New York. That’s why I’ve introduced an alternative plan that will cut property taxes for our residents and will save residents thousands of dollars each year,” said Butler. “I’m particularly pleased to be able to say that my colleagues and I have taken the high road and offered another option. It shows that we are in touch with our base.”
Under the Assembly minority plan, every homeowner who receives STAR would receive additional and substantial property tax relief. Average homeowners would save $715 annually, and the average senior $1,256. The minority plan increases STAR exemption rates to better reflect today’s property taxes and calls for a Co-STAR program to reduce county taxes. It also proposes the elimination of unfunded mandates, a major crackdown on Medicaid waste and fraud, and holding the line on runaway spending so the relief is lasting.
“The time to bring the taxpayers relief is now,” concluded Butler. “Let’s provide a fiscally sound budget that brings real relief to the people of New York state.”