Senator Lee Zeldin Votes to Restore the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program

State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) announced Senate approval today of legislation he co-sponsored to restore the Middle Class STAR Rebate check program.

This program was originally designed to give relief to overtaxed property owners. Unfortunately, the property tax rebate was repealed in 2009 under the leadership of the former NYC based Senate Democratic Majority. This is an important program that gives help to homeowners who are struggling to pay local property taxes. With homeowners experiencing difficulty with their finances because of the troubled state of our economy, it is more important than ever to re-instate the STAR Rebate Program.

Senator Zeldin, who was elected in 2010, had made promises to vote to restore the STAR Rebate Check Program, repeal the MTA Payroll Tax, and restore our right to fish for free.

“From day one of taking office a little over 18 months ago, I set my sights on keeping my commitments to the taxpayers of New York, especially my Suffolk County constituents.

I was elected to repeal the Saltwater Fishing License Fee, and we successfully secured a three year moratorium in last year’s budget. I was elected to fight for the repeal of the job-killing MTA Payroll Tax, and working with my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Cuomo we started the repeal, by eliminating the tax last December for over 80% of those who were previously paying it. We went even further in this year’s budget to authorize a refund for libraries. I was also elected to fight for the restoration of the STAR Rebate Check and today I voted to restore the program. It has been a privilege to fight so hard on behalf of the residents and taxpayers of the Third Senate District,” said Senator Zeldin.

The legislation, which Senator Zeldin voted for today, if enacted into law would restore the STAR Rebate Check Program this year (2012-2013 school year) for eligible seniors, and would phase in the STAR Rebate check for all others who are eligible in the 2013-2014 school year.

“I will continue working hard to keep my commitments to the taxpayers who elected me to cut taxes, cut spending and continue to promote job growth,” concluded Senator Zeldin.