Issues: EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit)

Budget Comes Early, Controls Spending and Holds The Line On Taxes

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan hailed the 2012 state budget today as lawmakers approved the spending plan ahead of the April 1st deadline, marking the second consecutive year New York State will enact an on-time budget.

“Passing a second on-time budget in as many years is indicative of the larger progress we’ve seen lately in Albany. Just as late budgets were once a symbol of dysfunction, on-time budgets are symbolic of continued progress,” the Senator said. “Even more important than passing an on-time budget, is that we passed a fiscally responsible budget that respects New York’s taxpayers and keeps the State moving forward.”

Gallivan: “Senate Plan Cuts Taxes, Reforms Medicaid, Protects Seniors and Schools.”

The New York State Senate voted to approve its 2012-13 Senate Budget resolution, continuing its focus on state spending, job creation, and structural reform to government.

The Senate budget, at just under $132.5 billion, keeps the total state spending increase below two percent, and spends less than the Executive Budget. The budget closes a $2 billion budget deficit and builds on last year’s successes in putting the state’s fiscal house in order.

News From New York StateSenator Shirley L. HuntleyFor Immediate Release: May 11, 2011Contact: Bryant G. Gaspard| gaspard@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

Senator Huntley Acts to Protect Taxpayers by Passing ‘Office of the Taxpayer Advocate’

“Taxpayer Advocate Act” to provide voice for taxpayers and reshape state bureaucracy

New York, NY (Jan. 28, 2011) – New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D, WFP – 31st district) is encouraging his constituents and all New Yorkers to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as part of EITC Awareness Day, which is being marked today, January 28.

EITC is a refundable credit for people who work but do not earn high incomes. “The Earned Income Tax Credit is an option all eligible New Yorkers should avail,” Sen. Adriano Espaillat. “It can save individuals an average of $2,200; substantial savings, particularly during these tough economic times.”

In an effort to more effectively advocate for the needs and concerns of their constituents, the five New York senators representing Westchester County will convene a public hearing to assess the priorities and impacts of Governor Paterson’s proposed SFY 2010-2011 budget on the residents, communities, organizations and elected officials of Westchester.  Senator Suzi Oppenheimer chairs the Westchester Senate delegation, which includes Senators Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Jeff Klein, Vincent Leibell, and Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

New York State Senator Frank Padavan (Queens) reminded all taxpayers throughout Northeast Queens to see if they’re  eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) when they file their federal tax return this tax season. Padavan’s call is part of a national public awareness campaign aimed at informing taxpayers about the EITC. .    The EITC was created in 1975 to help low to moderate income federal taxpayers.

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2010 personal income tax returns electronically.  The Department of Taxation and Finance has reported that nearly 95 percent of New York taxpayers are filing electronically with no adverse effects.