Senate Democrats Applaud Governor Paterson for Signing Senior Citizens Rent Relief into Law

September 6, 2008

The bill will amend the Real Property Tax Law and provide a rent increase exemption; limiting rent spikes for Seniors

(Queens, N.Y.) Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) today applauded Governor David Paterson for signing into law the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption Bill (SCRIE) and protecting seniors from being taxed out of their homes.

“Seniors are our most vulnerable population and we must do all we can to ensure they are able to afford life’s essentials,” said Senator Smith. “Living on a fixed income, any increase in rent places an unnecessary burden on seniors. They should never have to choose between buying food and being able to afford a roof over their heads.”

The existing real property law permits local municipalities to lower real property taxes for households occupied by persons sixty-two years of age or older.

The Senate passed the bill (S. 4221-B, Smith) at the close of session, and it was passed by the Assembly, where it was co-sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-East Setauket), earlier this year.

Provisions in the bill include….The recently passed bill will provide:

A head of household who qualifies for SCRIE will be applied to up two dwelling units.
A penalty of $1,000 to applicants erroneously granted exemption.

Eligible residents must be deemed head of household of a combined residence and occupied and paid rent for at least two years.

Senator Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), co-chair of the Annual Senior Appreciation Week Committee, said: “We, in the legislature have been working to pass this bill for a long time. I am pleased we have taken one of many steps needed to protect senior citizens throughout Queens, and the entire state.”

Senator Smith concluded: “This bill is a major victory for seniors throughout the state. On the eve of the sixth annual Senior Appreciation Week, I applaud Governor Paterson for his continued commitment to ensuring senior citizens can afford to remain in their homes.”