Res. No. 674-A
Resolution urging the New York State Assembly to pass A.2242, which would amend the Real Property Tax Law to provide that the definition of income be offset by any unreimbursed medical and prescription drug expenses paid by a senior citizen for purposes of determining eligibility for Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) benefits, and further urging the New York State Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill.
By Council Members Weprin, The Speaker (Council Member Miller), Comrie, Dilan, Gennaro, Gentile, James, Katz, Liu, Nelson, Seabrook, Recchia Jr., Stewart, Baez, DeBlasio, Brewer, Palma, Foster, Gerson, Moskowitz, Jackson, Oddo, The Public Advocate (Ms. Gotbaum) and Gallagher
Whereas, In 1970, the New York State Legislature and the Council of the City of New York enacted the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program, which permits income-eligible seniors who are 62 years of age and over, live in rent-regulated apartments and spend at least one-third of their incomes on rent to apply for SCRIE certificates exempting them from certain future rent increases; and
Whereas, The SCRIE program has been a vital resource for many seniors because it enables them to remain in their own apartments despite prohibitively expensive rent increases; and
Whereas, Medical treatment and prescription drug costs not covered or reimbursed by insurance represent a significant financial burden to seniors living on fixed incomes; and
Whereas, The New York State Assembly is currently considering A.2242, a bill that would amend the real property tax law sections 467-b(1)(c) and 467-c(1)(f) to provide that the definition of “income” shall be offset by any medical and prescription drug expenses which are not reimbursed or paid for by insurance; and
Whereas, The enactment of this bill would help alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by senior citizens, increase the number of seniors who will be eligible for the SCRIE program and prevent some seniors from becoming ineligible for SCRIE benefits; and
Whereas, The New York State Senate has not yet introduced a companion bill, and it is essential that both houses introduce and pass the same bill in order for the bill to become law; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Assembly to pass A.2242, which would amend the Real Property Tax Law to provide that the definition of “income” shall be offset by any unreimbursed medical and prescription drug expenses paid by a senior citizen for purposes of determining eligibility for SCRIE benefits, and further calls upon the New York State Senate to introduce and pass a companion bill.
(AT)
LS # 1239
February 8, 2005