Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announced that he has sponsored legislation that would repeal the changes made to the STAR program in last year’s budget. The changes altered the program from an immediate reduction on homeowners’ property tax bill to a reimbursement check for new homeowners. Since the changes have been in effect, they have proven to be largely unsuccessful. Homeowners received little to no communication about the status of their check and many did not receive the reimbursement in time to pay their school tax bill, forcing them to front the cost. Assemblyman Zebrowski has led the opposition to these changes and has been instrumental in the fight to repeal.

“We should be providing homeowners with property tax relief in the most convenient form possible. Why fix something that isn’t broken? STAR is one of New York State’s most successful tax relief programs and these changes have only burdened homeowners. Repealing these changes is essential to providing all homeowners, new and established, the same upfront tax relief they deserve,” Assemblyman Zebrowski said.

Assemblyman Zebrowski fought the changes to STAR since it was proposed, believing that it would burden new homeowners and diminish the success of the program. Since its implementation, countless homeowners have contacted Assemblyman Zebrowski’s office with concerns of late checks that did not come in time to pay their school tax bill. The program quickly became inconvenient and stressful for homeowners who rely on this relief program. This legislation will reverse the changes and transition the STAR program back to its original intent: providing homeowners with direct, upfront savings on their school tax bill.

“For most folks, their home is their largest, most important investment. Providing tax relief should not be a burden for hardworking families who rely on that assistance,” concluded Assemblyman Zebrowski.