Senator Zeldin and Senate Majority Restore STAR Rebate for Seniors in Budget Resolution

State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I-Shirley) announced today that within this week’s State Senate 2012-2013 Budget Resolution, there will be much needed tax relief for New York’s Senior Citizens.

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer (R, C, I-Amherst) and Senator Zeldin introduced this legislation (S.6286) in January and have been actively advocating on its behalf since. On February 29, 2012, the Senate’s Aging Committee unanimously passed their bill to restore the STAR Rebate Check for seniors.

“The return of the STAR Rebate will give struggling seniors on fixed incomes a little breathing room,” said Senator Zeldin. “The Rebate Check should not have been repealed in 2009 and it is important that we bring it back to provide property tax relief to seniors who need it most.”

Since being sworn into office in January 2011, Senator Zeldin has successfully led the effort to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax (which has been eliminated for over 80 percent of the taxpayers previously paying the MTA Tax) and salt water fishing license fee. Now he is continuing to keep his commitment by working with the Senate Majority to include the restoration of the STAR Rebate for senior citizens in the Senate’s 2012-2013 Budget Resolution.

“Restoring Seniors’ STAR Rebates can help fill an oil tank, pay a mortgage, or provide some other meaningful assistance to cope with the high cost of living on Long Island and throughout New York State,” concluded Zeldin.

The Senate is expected to consider the Senate Budget Resolution this week and Senator Zeldin will continue to push for the restoration of the STAR Rebate Check for seniors.

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