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Assemblyman Jones wants to rescind STAR changes

Assemblyman Billy Jones (Enterprise photo — Antonio Olivero)

ALBANY — State Assemblyman Billy Jones announced he is co-sponsoring legislation to reform the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program to fix changes made last year and remove barriers to prompt tax relief.

“North Country families were hurt by the changes to the STAR program,” Jones, D-Chateaugay, said in a press release. “They were promised rebates by the end of September, but many still haven’t received their checks. We can’t allow this harmful, inefficient system to continue, which is why I’m sponsoring legislation to repeal these changes.”

Before changes were made to STAR last year, all homeowners received a yearly upfront reduction in their school tax bill. Now, new homeowners and those who moved to a different home have to pay the full bill and then register for a rebate check from the state. Although the benefit amount is the same, Jones said numerous constituents have reached out to him because they still haven’t received their checks, which were due five months ago. Many are senior citizens in the Enhanced STAR program, he said.

The bill he co-sponsored would reverse last year’s changes and transition the program back to the way it was. Administration of the program would also be returned to the hands of local assessors, and the bill would require the state to help localities notify residents of these new changes. It would also give homeowners who have not registered with the state for the STAR credit at least 60 days to apply for the exemption for the coming school year.

“This complicated rebate system has created a headache for our seniors and hard-working families. The North Country deserves better,” Jones said.

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