New York has consistently ranked the highest in the nation for unfriendly tax burden which is an unacceptable state of affairs for everyone who lives here, but most of all for our valued seniors who have already paid their fair share and now are being asked to do even more.

Our senior citizens deserve the peace of mind to reflect on all their good works and enjoy the communities they have helped grow, not to be given more hurdles to jump through when they’ve already worked so hard for all of us.

This year the governor attempted to cap the Enhanced STAR program that would exorbitantly increase our property taxes. My colleagues in the Assembly Minority and the Senate Majority and I successfully prevented this move which is a great victory for keeping the governor’s hand out of our pockets.

The STAR tax program changes need to be given careful consideration. Adding unnecessary alterations to the system by including artificial deadlines complicate it to a ludicrous degree. I’m in favor of loosening these timelines so that the program can function more efficiently and serve our seniors better. It unequivocally should not be made more stressful.

I am also against making the program online-focused as well. This is another undue burden on those who may prefer to use normal paper applications. We need to make this system easier to use, not add more hoops to jump through to get a tax exemption that you’ve earned.

On the positive side however, there is a high percentage of funding in this year’s budget for senior programs and assistance services. Ranging from $50 million to support home living to $31 million promoting community activities and events, I’m pleased to say that we’re working hard to get out of your way and let you reflect on a life well lived.

I am whole-heartedly committed to make sure our seniors receive the support they need to lead healthy, secure and fulfilling lives. Whether it’s cutting away needless bureaucratic red-tape or hosting informational Alzheimer’s events and activities, I’m working hard to ensure our seniors are well taken care of and can lead their lives the way they see fit.