To keep you informed about the governor’s budget and other community issues, and to provide an opportunity for you to share your opinions and concerns with me face-to-face, I have scheduled the following community meetings throughout the Assembly district. I look forward to meeting with you.

Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton reminds homeowners to take advantage of the STAR program

The Enhanced STAR program can save eligible senior homeowners hundreds in property taxes each year.

• In Cortland County, homeowners eligible for Basic STAR exemptions can save an average of $617. Those eligible for Enhanced STAR could save as much as $1,064.

• In Tompkins County, homeowners eligible for Basic STAR exemptions can save an average of $628. Those eligible for Enhanced STAR could save up to $1,005.

Fighting nursing home closure

The Berger Commission Report has called for the closure of Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ithaca.

This would be a terrible mistake. Assemblywoman Lifton has fought – and will continue to fight – these recommendations.

She has spoken directly to the governor’s top staff to let them know that closing Lakeside is unacceptable and is urging them to work with Lakeside to make the needed adjustments in terms of decertifying skilled nursing beds and adding assisted living and adult day care – changes that Lakeside has long indicated a willingness and eagerness to make.

She has introduced legislation with Senator George Winner to exempt Lakeside from the Berger recommendations and she will continue working in the months ahead to prevent frail and elderly residents of Lakeside from being moved.

Tax savings for parents

Last year, Lifton and the Legislature cut taxes for working families by creating the Empire State Child Tax credit for children ages 4 up to 17.

How do you apply?

• Submit form IT-213 with your New York State income tax return (IT-150)

• Forms can be downloaded from the Internet at www.tax.state.ny.us/forms/form_number_order_au_ct.htm

What if you already filed your tax return?

Fill out IT-213 and mail the form by itself to:
State Processing Center
PO Box 61000
Albany, NY 12261-0001

Assemblywoman Lifton, working to deliver additional tax savings

Assemblywoman Lifton also fought to reduce taxes by:

• Eliminating the regressive 4 percent sales tax on clothing and shoes under $110

• Eliminating the marriage penalty tax

• Capping the state sales tax on gasoline

• Creating an income credit up to $200 for emergency service workers, including volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel

• Cutting business taxes by $186 million

Questions?

Contact Assemblywoman Lifton at:
106 East Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 277-8030
liftonb@assembly.state.ny.us