This week marked the end of the state Assembly’s legislative session. But before wrapping up, I helped make sure we took action to provide much-needed property tax relief for families throughout Central New York. This tax relief will help keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs – in your pocket.

For too long, the rising property tax burden has been outpacing hardworking families’ ability to pay their bills and make ends meet. Property taxes, coupled with the increasing cost of living, mean that families have to squeeze a little more out of each dollar they earn, struggling to do more with less. This is unfair, and I am committed to providing the relief our families deserve.

The legislation I fought for in the Assembly extends the property tax cap for an additional four years and creates new property tax rebates, providing over $3 billion in relief to those who need it most. These rebates will be provided in addition to homeowners’ School Tax Relief (STAR) rebates. Middle-class families earning less than $275,000 per year will receive a rebate check based on their annual income. And seniors participating in the Enhanced STAR program will see their property tax relief increase to 30 percent of their current savings. These rebate checks will help working families and those living on fixed incomes afford their daily expenses, stay in their homes and put food on their tables.

Property tax relief will make life easier for Central New York families and represents a step in the right direction for our state. Equally important is the fact that we refused to accept many of the misguided measures the governor was demanding we pass before the end of the legislative session. My Assembly colleagues and I opposed the governor’s Education Investment Tax Credit (EITC), which would have benefitted wealthy individuals and corporations – while costing taxpayers millions. We fought back against this harmful proposal, and we won. We also listened to the concerns of parents and teachers and successfully fought for changes to our education system that will help put the focus back on learning.

The Assembly has accomplished a great deal this year, and I’m confident our state is headed in the right direction. Most importantly, even though the Assembly has concluded its legislative business, I won’t stop working for you. I’m proud to serve as your representative, and I’m committed to continuing to provide a strong voice for you and for our families. As always, my door is open. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.