“For the past few years my minority colleagues and I have been working diligently to provide significant property tax relief,” said McDonough (R,C,I – Merrick). “I am pleased that we will be able to pass a budget that includes real property tax relief.”

The legislative budget agreement reached late Tuesday by the Assembly and state Senate will contain many programs that provide the relief that residents of New York have asked for. This year, residents will save $805 million and $960 million next year, for a total of $1.765 billion. In Nassau County, residents will save an average of $300, with seniors saving $528.

The 4 percent state sales tax on clothing purchases under $110 will be eliminated in an effort to increase sales and prevent residents from going out-of-state to shop.

$72 million in cost-of-living increases will be provided this and next year for seniors through the Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) program. Statewide STAR rebates will range from $300 to $800, depending on a homeowner’s age and particular property tax levy.

Several other measures will be implemented, including a child tax credit of $300 for parents with children ages 4-17, which is to ultimately accumulate to $4 billion worth of tax cuts over two years. Schools will also receive a record increase of $1.1 billion in funding for this year.

“Our minority conference has never wavered on the issue of providing real property tax relief,” concluded McDonough.