Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) announced that she helped pass a 2024-25 state budget that delivers vital funding for our local community and educational system as well as cracks down on hate crimes and retail theft.

“This year’s budget showcases our commitment to putting New Yorkers first,” said Sillitti. “I worked hard to secure funding in the state budget that prioritizes the needs and concerns of our families. I am pleased that the final result not only invests in our community but also prioritizes our education system and makes New York a safer place to live. While the budget has passed, I will keep working to ensure our community has all the resources it needs to thrive.”

Sillitti passed a budget that provides funding to several projects and initiatives including, raising the minimum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award from $500 to $1000 and increasing the dependent student net taxable income (NTI) limit for TAP eligibility from $80,000 to $125,000 and the independent student (NTI) limit from $10,000 to $30,000. Additionally, to prevent federal aid from being unclaimed, the budget requires school districts to have high school seniors complete an application for federal or state student aid. These changes will benefit thousands of students and make higher education more attainable.

To help address Long Island’s housing crisis and put money back into New Yorker’s pockets, Sillitti helped secure a real property tax exemption for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in this year’s state budget. The measure provides a 5-year tax exemption equivalent to increased assessed value, with a maximum exemption of $200,000 in increased value and a minimum of $3,000. It provides a 100% exemption of increased value the first year and gradually phases out over four years.

In addition to providing relief for homeowners, Sillitti secured funding to help maintain local initiatives and organizations, including: $903,000 for Henery Viscardi School, $120,000 for Nassau Suffolk Law Services Committee, $90,000 for the Village of Flower Hill, $75,000 for the Village of East Hills and $41,600 for the Interstate Environmental Commission.

The enacted 2024-25 state budget also

• changes to the average salary calculation window for Tier 6 workers from five to three years;
• invests $22.25 million in the Water Quality Improvement Program;
• provides $40.2 million for dedicated retail theft teams within the New York State Police, District Attorneys’ offices and local law enforcement;
• adds 28 more offenses that are eligible to be hate crimes; and
• provides $35 million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, which helps protect houses of worship, religious schools and other at-risk sites.