Res. No. 133 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature and the Governor to enact legislation to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to indexing to inflation the maximum income allowed for persons occupying rental units to be eligible for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE) program. Body By Council Members Boyland, Nelson, Reed, Weprin, Avella, Comrie, DeBlasio, Diaz, Felder, Fidler, Foster, Gennaro, Gerson, Jackson, Jennings, Koppell, Liu, Rivera, Rodriguez, Sanders, Seabrook, Sears and Golden; also Council Members Addabbo, Moskowitz and Yassky Whereas, The Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program permits income eligible seniors, 62 years of age and over who live in rent-controlled and rent-stabilized apartments, and whose rent is more than one-third of their income, to apply for SCRIE certificates, which will exempt them from certain future rent increases; and Whereas, Currently, a senior's total annual household income must not exceed $20,000 to qualify for SCRIE; and Whereas, Pursuant to state enabling legislation, the Council passed legislation in 1996 (Local Law 1) which increased the maximum income eligibility level for SCRIE from $16,500 to $20,000; and Whereas, Since that time, there has been no change in the maximum income eligibility level for SCRIE and while seniors' incomes have remained static, seniors' expenses have increased and inflation continues to deplete their income; and Whereas, According to the Rent Guidelines Board, in 1999, rent for rent-stabilized apartments increased by eleven percent and rent control increases was statutorily mandated at seven and one half percent; and Whereas, Seniors must pay these increases even though each year they have less income to spend; and Whereas, It is now necessary to adjust the maximum income eligibility level upwards so that more seniors will qualify for SCRIE and be able to remain in their current homes and communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature and the Governor to enact legislation to amend the Real Property Tax Law, in relation to indexing to inflation the maximum income allowed for persons occupying rental units to be eligible for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE) program. |10
13| |1013|