Fighting for More Tax Relief, Better Health Care

Aileen Gunther:

Fighting for more tax relief,
better health care

Dear Friend,

The New Year gives us a wonderful opportunity to shape our future in Orange and Sullivan Counties. I look forward to a long and productive partnership with Governor Eliot Spitzer to provide the leadership our families need for positive change.

We are already off to a great start by working with the governor to pass landmark legislation ensuring a more open and efficient budget process.

As a taxpayer, I know our high property taxes are driving families out of New York State and seniors out of their homes. Last year, we worked to provide homeowners with property tax rebates, but we have to do more. I will work with Governor Spitzer to establish a property tax relief plan that puts more than a band aid on rising property taxes.

As a former nurse, I understand the crisis our hospitals and health facilities face in providing quality care, while constantly being squeezed by mounting expenses. By reconfiguring how we deliver medical care we can meet our health needs and reduce the high cost we pay to stay well.

Sincerely,
signature
Aileen M. Gunther
Member of Assembly

Stay Informed

Watch Aileen on Assembly Update,
Channel 11, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
and on Cable 6.

Helping Orange & Sullivan County seniors

Providing Tax Relief

Cutting property taxes

To help families cope with skyrocketing property taxes, especially seniors living on fixed incomes, Aileen will work with Governor Spitzer on a plan to cut property taxes by $6 billion over the next three years. Under the governor’s budget, Enhanced STAR savings for Orange County seniors would rise from $1,482 to $1,927 and for Sullivan County seniors it would rise from $1,170 to $1,521.

Cutting school taxes

“Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent and these reforms will provide a clearer picture of budget considerations.”

– Aileen Gunther

Aileen has reintroduced legislation to study more equitable income tax-based alternatives to the current property tax based system for funding schools (A.1226). Her proposal will help close the widening gap Mid-Hudson Valley homeowners face between rising school taxes and their ability to pay.

Reforming State Government

Ground-breaking budget agreement now law

Aileen helped create a new law (Ch. 1 of 2007) that will ensure on-time, balanced budgets. The law will promote financial responsibility and increase transparency, and includes:

Eliminating the $200 million “lump sum” appropriations and instead requiring local grants to be listed and subject to governor’s line-item veto
Assessing the budget’s impact on local governments
Increasing Rainy Day Reserves to better prepare for economic downturns or catastrophes
Requiring the Legislature to explain the fiscal impact of its proposed changes to legislators and the public before a budget vote

Protecting Health Care

Putting patients first

With her experience as a former nurse, Aileen knows as we restructure health care in New York, we must put patients’ needs first. She will work with the governor to update New York’s health care system responsibly.

Making health care more affordable

Aileen is working with Governor Spitzer to provide better long-term care services so more seniors can afford to stay at home. She also supports his proposal to allow the state to bulk purchase prescription drugs to save money. In fact, last year, Aileen helped pass similar legislation (A.3848) that would accomplish this goal and also establish a drug discount card for seniors in need.

“With federal proposals falling short of meeting our needs – particularly the Bush Administration’s ill-managed Medicare Part-D program – I will continue to work to ensure quality, affordable health care for all New Yorkers.”

– Aileen Gunther

STAR REMINDER: Enhanced STAR income limit is now $67,850

Assemblymember Aileen Gunther helped increase income eligibility levels for Enhanced STAR to $67,850, providing more seniors with needed tax relief.

Reminder: You must apply by March 1, 2007 to take advantage of STAR, unless you already signed up for the Income Verification program. Under Income Verification, you don’t have to reapply for STAR every year. The state will automatically and confidentially confirm your eligibility. Even if you aren’t eligible for Enhanced STAR, you may be eligible for Basic STAR.

For more information contact your town or city assessor’s office or Assemblymember Gunther at 342-9304.

The Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) program can reduce property taxes by an average of $1,480 or 30 percent a year for eligible Orange County homeowners and by an average of $1,170 or 44 percent a year for eligible Sullivan County homeowners. Other Orange County homeowners – under the Basic STAR program – save an average of $800 or 16 percent a year. Other Sullivan County homeowners – under the Basic STAR program – save an average of $697 or 23 percent a year.

Free tax preparation through AARP

Your local AARP Tax-Aide program uses IRS certified volunteers to provide free tax counseling and preparation services to low-and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older.

The AARP Tax-Aide program in Orange County:

Farnum House Senior Center
21 Ulster Place • Port Jervis • February 1-April 17
Handicapped accessible • (845) 858-4054 • By appointment

Mulberry House Senior Center
62-70 West Main Street • Middletown • February 1-April 17
Handicapped accessible • (845) 346-4073 • By appointment

AARP Tax-Aide program in Sullivan County:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County
64 Ferndale Loomis Road • Liberty • February 1-April 17
Handicapped accessible • (845) 292-5250 • By appointment

Enhanced STAR Deadline is March 1st
New income limits apply

Assemblymember
Aileen M. Gunther

18 Anawana Lake Road
Monticello, N.Y. 12701
845-794-5807
GuntheA@assembly.state.ny.us

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