Marcellino Protects Taxpayers

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset) announced today that his legislation which extends the date to apply for the Middle Class STAR rebate program from November 30, 2007 to December 31, 2007 has been signed into law.

"The goal of the rebate program is to maximize participation for all eligible homeowners in New York State because the fact is -- it’s your money. This common sense law will help to ensure that our overburdened property taxpayers get the rebate check that they are entitled to," said Senator Marcellino.

This law provides homeowners statewide an additional month to apply for their rebate check. Some homeowners may still be under the impression that the rebate check will be mailed to their homes automatically, as it was last year. Application for the 2007 rebate cannot be made without a personal identification code found on the mailed form from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

"Nearly 60,000 homeowners in Suffolk County received their Middle Class STAR rebate application letter late because of a clerical error. While it appears everyone due to receive the rebate has or will have the application letter soon, the unanticipated delay could lead many homeowners to miss the deadline to apply. This extension will give needed time to any homeowner who, for any reason, has yet to apply." Senator Marcellino said.

The bill was carried in the Assembly by Robert Sweeney.

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