Senator Phillips’ Legislation Restoring Nassau County’s Tax Abatement Program For Seniors Passed by Senate

     Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) announced Senate passage of legislation she sponsored to restore Nassau County’s property tax abatement program for seniors.  The program, which helps eligible seniors save money on their property taxes, expired at the end of 2016.

     “I’m pleased that my first bill passed by the Senate is such an important one.  Seniors with fixed incomes struggle with Long Island’s high cost of living more so than most.  Allowing Nassau County to restore this program and the valuable tax savings it provides will make it easier for seniors to continue to stay in the communities they helped build,” said Senator Phillips.

     In 2002, Nassau County increased county property taxes by more than 19 percent.  To mitigate some of the impacts to seniors on fixed incomes, the County created a tax abatement program which provided tax savings.  State approval was necessary to implement the program, which the County received.   The abatement was scheduled to last until the end of 2016.  The program’s expiration resulted in substantial property tax increases for seniors, many of whom were unaware that the program was ending.

     The legislation sponsored by Senator Phillips (S3142) would authorize Nassau County to retroactively restore and continue the county program, ensuring that seniors do not lose out on valuable property tax savings.

     The Nassau County Legislature’s Presiding Officer and members of the legislative majority have asked the State Legislature to pass a reauthorization of the program. 

     The legislation has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.