Gary D. Finch

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY                                                                              CONTACT: MATT MOYSE (518) 455-5981

*ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH ANNOUNCES BUDGET AGREEMENT*

Agreement provides significant property tax relief as well as other tax cuts
 

     “I am more than thrilled with the agreement reached tonight during Conference Committees,” said Finch. “It is clearly evident that the diligent efforts by Leader Tedisco, my colleagues, and me have finally paid off. New York’s homeowners are going to get the property tax relief they deserve and I attribute that to the hard work of our Conference.”

The legislative budget agreement includes, but is not limited to:

• $805 million in property tax rebates this year and $960 in 2007-08, totaling $1.765 billion;
   

• Providing $72 million in cost-of-living increases in senior STAR for this year and next - STAR rebates will range from $300 to $800, depending on the homeowner's age and particular property tax levy;
   

• Elimination of the State sales tax on clothing under $110 dollars;
   

• Several other measures, including a child tax credit of $300 for children ages 4-17, ultimately accumulate to $4 billion worth of tax cuts over 2 years.

     “Central New York’s senior citizens will now be able to remain in their homes and new families will be able to buy new homes so that our area may continue to grow and thrive,” concluded Finch. “The agreement reached tonight is a great step forward for New York, and I am proud to have been a part of it.”
 

                                                                   -30-                                                                     3/28/06