White Plains, NY — In response to the economic constraints of seniors living in Westchester County, Legislator Vedat Gashi (D – New Castle, Somers, Yorktown) and Legislator David Tubiolo (D – Yonkers, Mt. Vernon) have sponsored an amendment to our current local law which will expand the eligibility for property tax exemptions for seniors. Residents 65 years of age or older whose combined annual household income is $29,000 or less now qualify for a property tax exemption. Under the proposed amendment, the combined annual household income would increase to $50,000, benefitting more seniors across Westchester.

This revision follows the law Governor Hochul signed and enacted on August 8, 2022, allowing local municipalities to expand the eligibility requirements to a maximum combined household income of $50,000 as of July 1, 2022. Increasing the number of seniors who are eligible for this cost saving exemption will help keep them in their homes at a time when cost of living has increased exponentially.

Legislator Vedat Gashi, Chair of the Budget & Appropriations Committee said, "As the cost of living in New York continues to rise, we must protect the livelihood of our most vulnerable residents and ensure that they can afford to stay in their homes safely, buy groceries and pay for electricity, water and gas. With the property tax exemption law expansion being signed by the Governor this week, which allows local governments to opt-in, we want to get the legislation on the table as quickly as possible to help seniors across Westchester who are struggling to make ends meet."

Legislator David Tubiolo said, "As a staunch advocate for seniors my entire career, I am happy to take any action that will help Westchester residents as they age. We hope that this will prove to be a cost saving measure for many more seniors throughout the County."

County Executive George Latimer said, “This is an important measure saving money for seniors who call Westchester home. We look forward to reviewing this legislation and working with the Board of Legislators as the process continues.”