Res. No. 1607 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to amend the real property tax law in relation to increasing the maximum income eligibility level for the Senior Citizen Rent increase Exemption ("SCRIE") program to $27,900 per household per year and to index to inflation the maximum income allowed for persons occupying rental units to be eligible for the SCRIE program. Body By the Speaker (Council Member Vallone), and Council Members Harrison, Berman, Carrion, Clarke, Eisland, Fisher, Henry, Marshall, Michels, Moskowitz, Perkins, Provenzano, Reed, Warden, The Public Advocate (Mr. Green), Fiala, Golden and Stabile; also Council Members Leffler, Linares, Miller, Nelson, Quinn, Robinson, Rodriguez, Wooten, Eldridge and Oddo Whereas, The Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption ("SCRIE") program permits income eligible seniors, 62 years of age and over who live in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized apartments, and whose rent is more than one-third of their income, to apply for SCRIE; and Whereas, Currently, a senior 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, their expenses have increased and inflation continues to deplete their income; and Whereas, According to the Rent Guidelines Board, rent for rent-stabilized apartments increased in 1998 by 11 percent and rent control increases are statutorily mandated at seven and one half percent; and Whereas, Seniors must pay these increases even though they have less income to spend each year; and Whereas, Raising the maximum income eligibility to $27,900 (currently the level for the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE) program) and indexing the maximum income to inflation would allow more seniors to qualify for SCRIE and to be able to remain in their homes and their communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to amend the real property tax law in relation to increasing the maximum income eligibility level for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption ("SCRIE") program to $27,900 per household per year and to index to inflation the maximum income allowed for persons occupying rental units to be eligible for the SCRIE program. LS#3580 MB:ts 10/18/00 |10
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