Assemblywoman Lifton worked to pass a fair, timely budget that provides a record increase to local schools, makes a significant investment in New York’s higher education system and delivers considerable tax relief for working families.

This year’s budget provided the largest increase in education funding in New York State history. Schools in Tompkins and Cortland counties will receive over $11.7 million more than last year in state aid in a reformed school aid formula.

Assemblywoman Lifton also fought for:

• $5 million in additional aid to public libraries in New York;

• $1.3 million for the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program to help entrepreneurs create new businesses;

• $155,000 to local community groups in Tompkins and Cortland counties, such as the YWCA of Cortland, the Tompkins County Living Wage Coalition and the Daycare and Child Development Council of Tompkins County; and

• $393,000 to Cortland Regional Medical Center and $212,000 to Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca to restore cuts in health care spending.

Tax relief for working families

• Assemblywoman Lifton knows how important it is to ease our property tax burden. This year the Legislature agreed on a property-tax rebate plan that will return millions of dollars to hard-working taxpayers.

• In Cortland County, homeowners eligible for Basic STAR will receive rebate checks of up to $370, depending on income. Homeowners who qualify for Enhanced STAR – seniors 65 and older – will receive a refund of $266.

• In Tompkins County, homeowners eligible for Basic STAR will receive rebate checks of up to $377, depending on income. Homeowners who qualify for Enhanced STAR – seniors 65 and older – will receive a refund of $251.

• Lifton also fought for the Empire State Child Tax Credit, which provides a $330 per child tax credit for parents of school-age children (ages 4 to 17).