Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) and Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) recently introduced the “Affordable NY Act,” a bill aimed at providing tax relief for middle-class and property taxpayers in New York state. The proposal aims to double the School Tax Relief (STAR) exemption and permanently reduce income tax rates for middle- and lower-income earners.

“For too long, New Yorkers have been overburdened by high taxes,” said Brabenec. “This legislation will help put money back into the hands of hard-working residents by reducing property taxes and income tax rates, making New York more affordable for families and businesses.”

Key Provisions of the “Affordable NY Act”:

• Doubling the STAR Exemption: The bill will double the current base figure for both the enhanced and basic STAR exemptions, providing significant property tax relief.
• Lowering Income Tax Rates: The bill reduces income tax rates by 2% for middle- and lower-income earners starting in 2026, benefiting single taxpayers earning up to $200,000, heads of households earning up to $250,000 and married couples earning up to $300,000.

“This is a much-needed step to help reverse the trend of New Yorkers leaving the state due to high taxes,” Brabenec added. “The ‘Affordable NY Act’ will make New York a more affordable place to live and work.”