Senator Phillips’ Legislation Authorizing Restoration of Nassau County’s Senior Tax Abatement Program Signed by Governor

Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) announced that legislation she sponsored authorizing Nassau County to restore its senior citizen property tax abatement program has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.  The program, which helps eligible seniors save money on their property taxes, expired at the end of 2016.

“I’m so pleased that the first law I authored as a New York State Senator will address such an important priority for our seniors.  Affordability and property tax relief are major issues for Long Island families, but especially for seniors living on fixed incomes who already face difficult choices to make ends meet.  They depend on every dollar and need these savings restored.  I thank Governor Cuomo and my colleagues for working with me in a bipartisan manner to give Nassau County the authority it needs to bring these important tax savings back for our seniors,” said Senator Phillips.

In 2002, Nassau County increased county property taxes by more than 19 percent.  To mitigate some of the impacts to seniors on fixed incomes, the County created a tax abatement program that provided tax savings.  State approval was necessary to implement the program, which the County received.   The abatement was scheduled to last until the end of 2016.  The program’s expiration resulted in substantial property tax increases for seniors, many of whom were unaware that the program was ending. 

The law authored by Senator Phillips (S3142A/A2382B) authorizes Nassau County to retroactively restore and continue the county program, ensuring that seniors do not lose out on valuable property tax savings.  The Nassau County Legislature approved a home rule message requesting the authority. 

The law took effect immediately after it was signed.  The Nassau County Legislature must now pass its own local law to reinstate the program.