Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) joins Gov. George Pataki at a press conference in Hempstead to unveil the governor’s proposed STAR-PLUS property tax relief plan. “The STAR-PLUS program would provide homeowners in school districts that control spending with additional property tax relief,” noted McDonough in his comments.

The plan includes:

• A $400 annual rebate check mailed to all homeowners – including senior citizens – residing in school districts that adopt new spending caps to limit spending increases tied to Consumer Price Index hikes.
• Exceptions to the cap for enrollment increases, capital projects, certified emergencies and special circumstances.
• A 2 percent bonus in state flex aid, beginning with the 2007-08 school year, for school districts that abide by the spending caps and successfully control their spending.