Winter E-Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

I would like to wish you and your family the happiest of holidays! 

During these busy weeks, I hope you are finding time to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate and share in the joys of the season. Let us also take a moment to remember and thank our active service members who have sacrificed their family time during the holidays in order to protect our freedoms. 

In the body of this newsletter, you will find Helpful Holiday Safety Tips and resources to help keep you and your family safe this holiday season. Other important updates and upcoming deadlines are also included. 

It is my honor to continue serving as your voice in the State Senate. As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office with requests for assistance or to share your ideas and suggestions. You can always reach me at 516-739-1700 or thomas@nysenate.gov. 

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a peaceful new year,

Senator Kevin Thomas

Helpful links to keep you and your family safe this holiday season!

• Holiday Safety Tips from the National Safety Council
• Safety Guide for Winter Driving
• Cyber Security & Safety Tips for Online Shoppers
• Holiday Pet Safety Information
• Toy Safety Guide from the United States Consumer Protection Safety Commission 
• Tips for Charitable Giving from the Office of the NYS Attorney General
• NYS Charities Bureau Registry Search - Look up a Charity Before You Donate

                 Other Important Dates & Information

JAN 2, 2020 IS THE DEADLINE TO ENROLL IN THE INCOME VERIFICATION PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED STAR. 

*New for 2019* If you are applying or reapplying for the Enhanced STAR exemption, you must enroll in the Income Verification Program (IVP). You only need to enroll once, and you’ll receive the exemption each year, as long as you’re eligible. You will not need to reapply for the exemption or provide copies of your tax returns to your local assessor.

How to Enroll: 

Nassau County homeowners: Submit Form RP-425-IVP along with the county’s Enhanced STAR Property Tax Exemption Application (visit Nassau County: Exemption Forms). Submit both forms to the address on page 2 of the county form by January 2. For assistance, contact the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500.

If you have additional questions about the STAR Program, please see my STAR Program FAQ! 

"Pics of the Sixth" High School Photo Contest

Senator Kevin Thomas invites all local high school students (Grades 9-12) to participate in the #PicsoftheSixth Photo Contest. Students are asked to submit photos that reflect the unique character of their town and celebrate their community, with five contest categories: Buildings & Landmarks, Hobbies & Passions, Life on the Island, Happiness, and Celebrating Culture. Winners will be invited to a special ceremony and have their photos displayed in Senator Thomas' Community Office in Garden City.

Submissions are due on March 30, 2020, with winners announced on April 30, 2020. Full contest rules, eligibility, and submission guidelines are available on the Senator's official website, thomas.nysenate.gov. There is no fee to enter the contest.

                            News & Legislative Updates

• I recently co-chaired a Joint Public Hearing on Housing Discrimination in response to Newsday's recent investigation of real estate agents' treatment of homebuyers. The full video is available here. Read Newsday's coverage of the hearing here.
• The 2020 Legislative Session Begins on January 8, 2020. The session will be live streamed here. 

       Happy Holidays, and Thank You for a Great Year!