The Senate passed legislation (S.7683) that would provide $1.3 billion in property tax rebates for homeowners in New York State and New York City along with a new EITC to help the working poor in New York City.

The plan would send rebates of nearly $1 billion in school property tax relief checks directly to homeowners when phased in over five years, in addition to the current STAR exemption. The savings would offset the effects of inflation on the original STAR program, and would be phased in at an accelerated rate for seniors.

The bill also simplifies the flow of funds more directly to taxpayers. Following the original implementation of the STAR program, many local school districts increased spending and masked that spending's impact on taxpayer's bills with the STAR savings.

By providing rebate checks directly to homeowners, rather than through school districts, homeowners will immediately and clearly realize the savings in the form of a check in hand.

"This relief is vitally necessary for the overburdened real property taxpayer and it is the beginning of real progress," Hannon said.

The bill also gives authorization to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's $250 million proposal for city government to provide up to $400 rebates to homeowners beginning in the current fiscal year, which began July 1. Rebates can be issued annually for three years upon recommendation of the mayor as long as the city does not increase property taxes during the year. Eligible properties include one to three family residences, co-ops and condos.

The bill would also support working families by providing $50 million for a New York City Earned Income Tax Credit to be applied against New York City Personal Income Tax. The new EITC, which would mirror the structure and eligibility requirements for federal and state EITCs, will be 5 percent of the Federal EITC.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

State Senator Kemp Hannon recently unveiled the "Life - Pass It On" custom license plate to benefit organ and tissue donation and research at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

"Here in New York we have moved forward on legislative initiatives to help alleviate the shortage of donors. These new 'Life - Pass It On' license plates will reach thousands of people across the state and help educate them about the importance of organ and tissue donation," Senator Hannon said.

"With the enhanced awareness, there will be a greater willingness to donate, as well as more transplant recipients as living testament that organ and tissue donation really works.

The initial cost for the custom plate with a number assigned by the Department of Motor Vehicles is $43 with an annual renewal fee of $25. A personalized version with the motorist's choice of two to six characters, including spaces, is available for $68, with an annual renewal fee of $50.

The annual renewal fee is in addition to the regular registration fee and is billed every two years. In every case, $20 of the annual renewal fee will be deposited to the credit of the Life Pass It On Trust Fund, overseen by the Department of Health.

This plate is available to anyone who has a passenger or commercial vehicle registered in New York State. To order your "Life - Pass It On" license plate, visit any DMV issuing office, DMV's website at www.nysdmv.com or call the DMV Custom Plates office at 518-402-4838, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You may view our gallery of over 300 custom plates and ordering information for each on the DMV website as well.

Individuals who qualify for the International Symbol of Access must order through DMV's Custom Plates office.