Archive for February 6th, 2009

A RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY LEGISLATORS RATH, MILLS & WALTER

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Re: STAR Programs Application in Erie County & the role of the Local State Delegation

WHEREAS, Erie, Monroe, Westchester, Onondaga, and Wayne Counties share sales tax revenue with school districts; and

WHEREAS, the current STAR benefit system is calculated locally using property tax revenues as the sole local component; and

WHEREAS, the sales tax revenue these counties distribute to local school districts is not credited in the local share for calculation of the STAR benefit; and

WHEREAS, as these counties increase school district funding with sales tax revenues, the state STAR program benefit for residents does not increase; and

WHEREAS, if sales tax figures were included in the calculation of STAR benefits, county residents would receive an estimated increase of twenty five million dollars in their STAR benefit without experiencing an increase in their school district tax rates; and

WHEREAS, residents of counties that provide support for school districts, by sharing sales tax revenue, should not be adversely affected or penalized with lower STAR benefits because of the sharing of their counties; and

WHEREAS, changing the formula for calculating STAR benefit amounts would return an estimated additional $25 million to Erie County taxpayers and have an economic impact benefit of $100 million; and

WHEREAS, changing the formula for calculating STAR benefits has no impact on school district tax rates and has no adverse impact on Erie County taxpayers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this honorable body does hereby request the New York State Legislature change the formula for determining STAR benefits to include sales tax revenues shared with school districts; and be it further,

RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor David Paterson, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, the local delegation to the New York State Legislature, County Executive Chris Collins, and the County Executives and Board Chairs of Monroe, Westchester, Onondaga, and Wayne Counties.

Fiscal Impact: Positive for Erie County property taxpayers.

Congressman Higgins & County Executive Collins Announce $498,800 Federal Fire Grant for Erie County

Friday, February 6th, 2009

ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE MINORITY CAUCUS ANNOUNCES “FAIR DEAL FOR ERIE COUNTY TAXPAYERS”

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Warren Buffet Needs Money

Friday, February 6th, 2009

More Heating Assistance Available Through HEAP

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Clinton Packs Full Asia Agenda for First Trip as Secretary of State

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Faith-Based Office To Expand Its Reach

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Despite Delay for DTV, FCC Concerns Remain

Friday, February 6th, 2009

The 31 Club

Friday, February 6th, 2009