Assemblyman Joe Giglio fought for the return of the STAR Rebate check program that will give property tax savings directly to homeowners. All homeowners with household incomes of up to $250,000 will see an increase in their STAR Rebate check from one year ago.

Assemblyman Joe Giglio understands the strain that out-of-control property taxes put on Southern Tier homeowners, which is why Joe is committed to lowering property taxes by:

• Attacking the $4.5 billion in annual Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse to be returned to homeowners in the form of property tax relief.

• Restricting unfunded mandates that force local governments and school districts to increase tax levies on property owners.

• Controlling the growth of local taxes to allow voters to submit a petition to limit tax increases during a school budget vote.

• Basic STAR recipients must apply for the rebate with the Department of Taxation and Finance by November 30, 2007. Enhanced STAR recipients need not apply.

• The Department of Taxation and Finance will notify qualifying homeowners of the application process by mail shortly after August 15.

• Homeowners not receiving Basic or Enhanced STAR in 2006 will not be eligible to submit applications for the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program in 2007.

• In 2006, checks were sent out in groups by county. This year, checks will be sent out on a rolling basis based on the dates applications are received.

• The 2006-07 cost-of-living adjustment increase in the standard exemption amount for Enhanced STAR recipients of $56,800 will remain fixed until 2010-11.