SPRECKMAN AND JENKINS HELP LAUNCH MIDDLE CLASS STAR REBATE ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Contact: Andrea Ettere or Diana Walker, Tel: (914) 995-2800

Yonkers, NY—County Legislators Bernice Spreckman (R—Yonkers) and Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) joined officials from Governor Spitzer’s administration this morning at the Yonkers Riverfront Library to announce a new property tax rebate program that will provide direct relief to middle class residents throughout New York State.

The New York State Department of Tax & Finance have already sent out nearly 70,000 letters to eligible Yonkers residents advising them of the Middle Class STAR rebate and the application process.
The rest of eligible Westchester County residents will start receiving the letter beginning in mid-September.

The rebate can range anywhere from $350 to $650 for each household and is in addition to Basic and Enhanced STAR savings. Seniors 65 years or older who receive the Enhanced STAR exemption will automatically receive their STAR rebate check.

“I am excited about this program as it provides much needed relief to our middle class residents – residents that either make too much to be eligible for programs targeted for low income families or not enough to stay ahead financially,” Spreckman said. “I commend the Governor and the Tax Department for relieving our senior citizens of the application process and for creating such an easy process for all other residents.”

“This needed property tax relief is an example of intergovernmental cooperation that is the heart of Albany reform long requested by County government. Governor Spitzer and our entire State delegation is to be commended. I encourage everyone eligible to apply immediately,” Jenkins added.

Once a resident receives the notification they can enroll by submitting a simple application via US Mail or online. Additional information is available by calling Legislator Spreckman at 914-995-2815 or Legislator Jenkins at 914-995-2829. You can also access the New York State Department of Tax & Finance at www.nystax.gov or by calling 1-877-6-STAR-NY (1-877-678-2769).