News from Assemblyman 130th Assembly District JOSEPH A. ERRIGO   For immediate release: March 28th, 2006 Contact: Bonnie Turner (585) 334-5210 District Office: 3045 East Henrietta Rd., Henrietta, NY  14467 Albany Office: Rm 427 LOB, Albany, NY  12248

CONTACT: BONNIE TURNER (585) 334-5210 ERRIGO WON’T VOTE FOR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RELIEF BILL        Assemblyman Joe Errigo (R,C-Conesus) joined the Assembly Republican Conference in saying no to the Democrats proposed property tax relief.      Under the Democrats’ plan, in order to receive a tax break a homeowner’s property taxes must be greater than 7.5 percent of their household income, meaning that a working family with a household income of $70,000 and a property tax bill of $5,250 or less would not receive any relief. The maximum amount homeowners could receive this year if they qualify would be $200.      “My colleagues and I have introduced an alternative plan,” said Errigo. “Our option offers real property tax relief to New Yorkers. Homeowners will save thousands of dollars in the years to come.”      Under the Assembly Republican plan, every homeowner who receives STAR would receive additional and substantial property tax relief. Average homeowners would save $715 annually, and the average senior $1,256. The Republican plan increases the STAR exemption rates to better reflect today’s property taxes and calls for a Co-STAR program to reduce county taxes. It also proposes an elimination of unfunded mandates, a major crackdown on Medicaid waste and fraud, and holding the line on runaway spending so the relief is lasting.      “We now have a chance to change things in our state,” concluded Errigo. “We owe it to all New Yorkers, young and old, to seize this opportunity to bring them much needed relief.”                                                                                                                         -30-                                                                                             3/28/06