Press release:
State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced that the Senate Aging Committee voted Senate Bill No. S6286 out of committee today. The legislation, written by Senator Ranzenhofer, would reinstate the STAR rebate check program for seniors.
“Senate Bill No. S6286, restoring the STAR rebate check for seniors, is on the move after being introduced in the State Senate earlier this session. I am pleased to report that this legislation has received approval from the Aging Committee, clearing the first hurdle in the legislative process. As this bill continues on, I will be working with my colleagues in the State Senate to ensure its passage,” Ranzenhofer said.
Under the proposed bill, seniors who qualify for the Senior STAR exemption would be eligible for a STAR rebate check. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
“Seniors continue to face rising property taxes while living on a fixed income, making it difficult for them to afford the increased costs of staying in their homes. Owning and living in your own home is a major part of the American dream for seniors and eliminating the STAR rebate check program in the State Budget almost three years ago didn’t make it any easier. This legislation would ease that burden by reinstating property tax relief which was done away with,” Ranzenhofer said.
Initiated in 2006, the STAR rebate check program was eliminated in the 2009-2010 State Budget. Senator Ranzenhofer is also the author of legislation, Senate Bill No. S4338, to reinstate the Middle Class STAR rebate check program.
