Veterans to Benefit from New Laws
Legislation (A.11493) amends the real property tax law to allow the National Guard and Reservists to receive the Veterans Real Property Tax exemption even while serving. This exemption will at least give those property owners and their families a slight tax break. In this war, many reservists are being asked to serve for longer durations and often beyond the time they themselves expected. This bill is currently awaiting the approval of the Governor.
A. L. Lee Memorial
Last month, the NYS Department of Health granted A. L. Lee Memorial Hospital a one-year extension to meet criteria outlined by the Berger Commission. I was pleased with the Department of Health’s decision. I am still hopeful that an agreement can be reached between A. L. Lee Memorial Hospital and Oswego Health. One year will give both hospitals the time they need to carefully review terms of an affiliation, to complete due diligence, and to, ultimately, serve the residents of this region and provide the health care the area needs.
SUNY Oswego
During initial budget negotiations, SUNY Oswego was not included in the list of schools to receive capital funding. Making sure SUNY Oswego received capital funding was a priority of mine and I worked with the Senate Majority and my Assembly colleagues to make sure the final budget included funding. The hard work paid off and SUNY Oswego received $69.5 million in the budget for the new Math, Science and Engineering facility.
Historic Home Tax Credit (A.30000)
This region is rich with historic properties and this legislation gives people and businesses more incentive to invest in older homes and businesses which greatly add to the landscape and character of our towns and villages. The Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program expands the law to provide an additional $15 million in tax cuts beginning in 2009. This legislation awaits the Governor’s signature.
