The legislation would reverse the changes made two years ago when the administration of the program was turned over to the state's Department of Taxation and Finance.
Before these changes were implemented, all eligible homeowners saw an annual reduction in their school tax bill. Now, all new homeowners – those buying their first home and those who moved to a different home after Aug.1, 2015 – have to pay their full school tax bill upfront and receive a rebate check from the state.
"We've seen some improvements in the implementation of the new program in the past year, but the change has not benefitted new homeowners, and it has not reached the level of mandate relief that was promised. The change has simply added another step to the process and added an additonal burden, albeit in the short term, for new homebuyers," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"In many cases, our seniors rely on the assistance of the local assessor in registering and recertifying to earn the benefits of the Enhanced STAR program," she added.
The assemblywoman said her vote to sunset the STAR credit program and reopen the STAR Exemption program to new applicants was prompted by concerns she has heard from constituents and local assessors.
The STAR Exemption program, which provides an immediate reduction in property owners' tax liability, is the most convenient form of real property tax relief because it provides the relief upfront.
"This bill also passed unanimously in the state Assembly last year but died in the state Senate. I'm hoping the state Senate will take a fresh look at this legislation and do the right thing for homeowners in the North Country and around the state,' Assemblywoman Jenne said.