The Republican majority in the New York State Senate has released a portion of their legislative priorities for 2018. The agenda items disclosed on Tuesday revolve around the high taxes paid in the state. The Majority Conference will be making proposals to help those negatively impacted by the Federal income tax changes that were recently approved in Washington D.C. In addition, they will seek a 25-percent increase in the size of the current STAR program property tax rebate checks. The plan also proposes the elimination of the two-percent Gross Receipts Tax on utility bills, resulting in $190 million in savings. For senior citizens, they will seek a doubling of the current exemption on pension income intended to save seniors $275 million. This initiative, combined with the property tax reductions is intended to make the state more affordable for seniors. The measures will require the support of the State Assembly and the Governor.
