Residents from Westchester and Rockland counties are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to keep a popular tax relief program in the New York State budget.
The School Tax Relief (STAR) Program gives homeowners in Rockland and Westchester some much needed relief after paying some of the highest property taxes in the state.
Some lawmakers say Gov. Cuomo was looking into tinkering with the program in some way, for no real reason – and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti is telling the Democrat to keep his hands off it.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – and don’t break it,” he told WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell.
Some proposed changes in the program include having certain resident apply for the benefit while others receive it automatically.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin says the confusion could just be a way for the state to lower payouts.
“We’re just saying, no more budget gimmicks,” she said. “If you’re not going to fund our property taxes, if you’re not going to give us relief, give us the money in school aide.”
Gov. Cuomo’s office has not returned a request for comment.
Source: WCBS Radio
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