Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) said today this fall is the first time in three years that property owners will not receive their STAR Rebate checks. The checks were eliminated in the budget.
“There were several reasons I did not support the 2009-10 budget. Primarily, it increased taxes and fees, did not cut spending and eliminated the STAR Rebate checks for property owners. Residents have taken a double hit with increased taxes and elimination of STAR,†said Barclay.
“We knew the STAR rebate checks were not a permanent solution to high property tax rates, however, they did provide some relief to those who needed it most. It’s unfortunate for all that Albany leaders saw fit to pass a budget, negotiated behind closed doors, that did not include the rebates, especially in this economic climate,†said Barclay.
The Middle Class STAR Rebate Program provided middle class homeowners with incomes under $250,000 about $1.3 billion in rebates for 2007-8 and $1.8 billion in 2008-09. Over the past 10 years, state spending has increased by $52 billion or 65 percent.
“We need to create a more equitable property tax structure. STAR at least helped many receive a break. I am urging my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate to work together to not only close this year’s budget gaps of $2.1 billion but to come together for some real solutions to high property taxes,†said Barclay.
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