(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) and his Minority Caucus colleagues joined with their New York State Senate and Assembly counterparts on Wednesday, Sept. 7 to urge for the swift passage of Minority-introduced legislation that delivers tax relief for income-eligible Nassau County seniors and homeowners with disabilities.
Nassau County gained the ability to offer the Senior Citizens and Persons with Limited Incomes and Disabilities tax exemptions to more homeowners on Monday, Aug. 8 when Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a measure that raises the maximum income eligibility cap and gives municipalities like Nassau County the opportunity to opt into the new framework.
Later that week, Minority Leader Abrahams and his colleagues filed legislation in early August to increase the income eligibility level for these two exemptions to $58,400 from the current level of $37,400. On Aug. 30, the Majority Caucus signaled its support for the Minority’s tax relief proposals and added them to the calendar for consideration and approval during today’s Legislative committee meetings, which are scheduled for this afternoon at 1 p.m.
Shortly after the conclusion of this morning’s news conference, the Majority filed resolutions that would allow for the tax exemptions to be approved by the full Legislature on an emergency basis.
“The Minority Caucus is focused on implementing policies that deliver crucial economic assistance to our most financially vulnerable residents,” Minority Leader Abrahams said. “By giving local municipalities the ability to expand access to the Senior Citizens and Persons with Limited Incomes and Disabilities exemptions, New York State has provided us with powerful tools for delivering real property tax relief to homeowners. We are glad that the Majority is supporting our efforts and look forward to swiftly implementing these changes for the benefit of Nassau taxpayers.”
“I was proud to vote in favor of state legislation to help Long Island’s senior citizens and persons with disabilities, enabling counties to raise the income limit for tax exemption programs for them,” New York State Senator John Brooks said. “I thank Legislative Democrats in the County Minority for immediately taking action and introducing a bill to accomplish this at the County level and provide real tax relief for our county’s seniors and persons with disabilities.”
“Our seniors built the communities we all call home, and we owe it to them to fight for every break we can give them - especially at a time of rising costs for everyday expenses,” New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan said. “It’s why I was proud to co-sponsor legislation in the State Senate that will give more seniors the property tax exemptions they deserve, and it’s why I fought to get the bill over the finish line earlier this year. I’m grateful for the Nassau County Legislative Minority, who worked with us to extend this important tax exemption for seniors, and I’m grateful to see the measure adopted here in our community.”
"Since taking office, I've fought tirelessly to lower the cost of living for our senior citizens, and I proudly sponsored legislation to make it easier for Nassau County seniors who are living on a fixed income to get much needed tax relief,” New York State Senator Kevin Thomas said. “Governor Hochul recently signed legislation allowing this exemption for all eligible New Yorkers. I urge the Nassau County Legislature to pass the bill introduced by the Minority members to ensure that Nassau County residents are able to save on their property taxes."
“I am proud that suburban State Legislative Majority members and I were able to deliver historic property tax relief for our seniors and residents with disabilities. I co-sponsored this important legislation (A.3956-A) because it will help some of my most vulnerable citizens stay in their homes and remain a vital part of the communities I represent in Assembly District 21 on Long Island,” New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin said. “Giving our partners in local government the option to raise the Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Exemption and the Persons with Disabilities Real Property Tax Exemption places us on par with our neighbors in New York City and will benefit thousands of households across Nassau County.”
“Earlier this year, I was proud to help pass legislation expanding the income eligibility for seniors and people with disabilities,” New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti said. “This will help more residents stay in their homes and the communities they live in. I look forward to Nassau County following the State’s lead and increasing the property tax exemption for more residents.”
PHOTO CAPTION - From left: New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin; New York State Senators Kevin Thomas and John Brooks; Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams and Legislators Debra Mulé, Arnold W. Drucker, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Carrié Solages on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022.
PHOTO CREDIT - Office of Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams
286-22 (PDF)
287-22 (PDF)
ER FOR CI 286 AND 287-22 (PDF)
Minority Caucus - Tax Exemption Legislation (PDF)