Published by CSEA 143 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12210 (518) 257-1000 (800) 342-4146 www.cseany.org Danny Donohue, President CSEA Local 1000 AFSCME AFL-CIO is published to share information and generate ideas on subjects important to retirees. Strong Communities Work We have seen too many communities fall apart as private companies have abandoned those who have committed to them and good paying, middle class jobs have been eliminated. Those of us who have a vision for thriving communities that include entertainment, successful local businesses, green space and cultural options understand that it requires a growing middle class to sustain quality of life. Economic opportunity and equality are at the core of building better neighborhoods. Good paying jobs allow community members to support their local economies, giving local businesses the market to provide services and products. Good jobs, strong local businesses and thriving neighborhoods are also important factors for CSEA retirees when they choose where to spend their retirement years. Our local economies grow from the ground up, through shared prosperity and our neighborhoods thrive when there is money to spend and services are available through adequate revenues. As we move to a more sustainable local economy, we must support those who are in struggle. Greater levels of civic participation are needed and barriers must be eliminated. Policies at every level should reflect the needs of our families and focus on building opportunities, equality, quality education and support. Change requires imagination and creativity. Connecting through innovative ideas to bring our communities together in action is what we are all about. When we work to build a better neighborhood, when we share our work and ideas, when we invest in our own success, we create a sense of trust and spirit that fosters prosperity and supports families. If you have ideas for a thriving community, we would like to work with you to make all our lives better. We envision our neighborhoods with active civic participation, neighbors who know each other, and economic opportunities and equality. Visit and “like” our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/strongcommunitieswork. State budget shows bad policy, choices lot of sound bite nonsense can change what they’ve done at the expense of working and retired New Yorkers.” Here is a brief look at a few state budget provisions that affect retirees: Property tax “freeze” The final budget includes an amended version of the governor’s property tax “freeze” proposal. Under the adopted plan, homeowners will receive a tax credit if their local governments and/ or school districts stay within the 2 percent tax cap in the first year. In the second year, municipalities must stay in the tax cap and propose a plan to save 1 percent of their tax levy per year over three years. Any municipalities that have already taken such steps can earn credit for those previous actions. Consolidations of government entities are not mandatory under the adopted budget, nor are there penalties for not achieving savings. The plan will reduce state revenues by about $1.5 billion. Corporate taxes The bank tax will be merged with the corporate franchise tax. The corporate franchise tax will be lowered from 7.1 percent to 6.5 percent by January 2016, lowering state revenues by about $346 million annually once fully implemented. Additionally, all New York state manufacturers will receive a 20 percent real property tax credit. Estate taxes The final budget raises the basic exemption for the Estate Tax from $1 million to $5.25 million over four years. Circuit breaker taxes Homeowner and renters in New York City ONLY would be provided with a “circuit breaker” credit for up to $500 for two years. Local Government Aid and Incentive for Municipalities (AIM) funding is maintained at last year’s levels. State aid will be increased at an average of 7.6 percent for the 18 municipalities that host video lottery terminal facilities, including Saratoga Springs, Batavia, Monticello, Yonkers and Vernon. Continued from page 1
Retiree News Spring 2014
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