Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie), Chair, Senate Education Committee today announced a proposed $1.9 billion property tax rebate program. This program would provide taxpayers with an additional 75% of their current STAR property tax credit in the form of a direct rebate check.The rebate would be based on the taxes paid in the previous school year on a primary residential home. The checks would begin in September 2006 based on school taxes paid for the 2005-06 school year.

Senator David Valesky checked out a book recently at the Weedsport Library, which is now using the Polaris integrated library system. Senator Valeskysecured a New York State grant in the amount of $6,400 that enabledthe Finger Lakes Library system to purchase software for the new system.The new system, which replaces afifteen-year-old Dynix system,will allow for information to be shared between the libraries in the five county Finger Lakes Library system.

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, 22nd District) today is reminding local residents required to get to Manhattan, during the transit strike, of the New York Water Taxi ferry service operating at the Brooklyn Army Terminal located at 58th Street and 1st Avenue in Brooklyn.

Albany— New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) called on the public to contact the United States Postal Service in support of the Purple Heart Stamp. “The Purple Heart Stamp is a reflection of our pride and dedication to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” Senator Nozzolio said. The Purple Heart stamp honors the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the U.S.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District), Chairman of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Committee, today applauded the New York State Attorney General’s office for uncovering and fining two local gas stations that engaged in price gouging. The Attorney General launched the investigation into gas price gouging, which was called for by Senator Fuschillo and other elected officials from across the state, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The investigation is still ongoing.

HUNTINGTON--- Senator John J. Flanagan (2nd Senate District) today announced that the Town of Huntington will receive a $14,482 grant award to help finance a boiler replacement project at Huntington Town Hall.