Legislature Agrees On State Budget

Senator Thomas P. Morahanannounced that the State Legislature has agreed on the 2006-07 State budget. Morahan, one of the key joint Assembly-Senate Budget Conference chairmen responsible for producing the budget, noted that the document would deliver tax cuts to families, help make New York more economically competitive, and will make important investments in education, health care and other areas that will improve the quality of life for New Yorkers.

"This budget will return more than $4.1 billion to the hardworking, overburdened taxpayers of New York State over the next two years. A highlight of the budget is the Senate’s plan to provide almost $2 billion in direct rebates to property taxpayers, including $72 million for STAR cost of living increases for senior citizens," said Morahan.

The revised budget eliminates the personal income tax marriage penalty, provides a child education tax credit to parents of children in school, and will allow the sales tax on clothing and shoe purchases under $110 to end on April 1st.

School children throughout the State will benefit from a record education aid increase of almost $1.3 billion, including a new statewide school construction aid that will move ahead school building in New York City.

Restorations in health care will ensure that hospitals, nursing homes and emergency rooms stay open and that home care is provided for the sick and disabled.

Some key details:

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