NEW YORK STATE SENATOR MONICA R. MARTINEZ
ANNOUNCES THE PASSAGE OF HER
PROPERTY TAX DEFERMENT BILL IN BOTH THE
SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
MAY 29, 2020
(ALBANY, NY): New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez is thrilled to announce that on May 28, 2020, both the State Senate and State Assembly, passed a bill to assist taxpayers by offering temporary relief during the COVID pandemic. Senator Martinez sponsored bill S8138B with Assemblyman Stern which passed unanimously in the Senate and is headed to the Governor for review. The signing of this legislation by the Governor will allow municipalities, school districts and special taxing districts the option to provide their residents with property tax relief through installment payment plans or deferment.
“The passage of S8138B allows taxing jurisdictions to provide much needed support to those who are struggling to provide the basic needs for their families, such as food and medication, without the additional fear they will be facing penalties for property taxes they are currently unable to pay,” said Senator Monica R. Martinez. “Many residents are facing the worst economic hardship of their lives. Businesses have been closed for months, employee pay has been cut, and in many cases there have been layoffs. New York has some of the highest property taxes in the nation and the State Legislature must enable property tax relief for those in need.”
Under this legislation, a taxing jurisdiction may adopt a local rule or law to create an installment payment plan or deferment plan for property taxes for up to 120 days after the original due date of the property taxes. This legislation will provide local taxing jurisdictions the flexibility to provide homeowners the time they need to be financially sound as our regions re-open, and to help stabilize our economy.
“For months, the Governor has shown strong leadership to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus in New York and for that, I am appreciative. I am hopeful the Governor will continue to protect our residentes by signing this important piece of legislation which will allow taxing jurisdictions the opportunity to provide immediate property tax relief. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblyman Stern, all of my colleagues, and other Elected representatives who have shown support of this legislation. During these difficult times, we need to do what is best for the residents of our communities,” said Senator Martinez.
"Given the economic uncertainty that our residents and business owners are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to provide both taxpayers and our local governments with the resources necessary to get through these difficult economic times,” said Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington). “I am proud to partner with Senator Martinez in establishing the power of local control to defer property tax collections during this public health emergency. During this challenging time when so many Long Islanders are unemployed and struggling every day, this urgent initiative will provide for flexibility to local governments and protect our taxpayers."
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Adina M. Beedenbender
Director of Communications
Office of State Senator Monica Martinez