On Tuesday, lawmakers in Onondaga County agreed overwhelmingly to provide seniors who are eligible for the Enhanced School Tax Relief tax exemption for property a one-time payment of $200 in the form of a stimulus check.
Officials from the county said homeowners may get their stimulus payments before the year ends.
The Stimulus Check Program
In his 2022 State of the County speech, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon proposed the Senior Household Stimulus Program.
The initiative aims to aid older adults in their financial recovery from the COVID-19 epidemic and the economic crisis.
The county’s financial balance will pay for the $5.5 million initiative.
Local officials estimate that 27,500 county residents will obtain Enhanced STAR and corresponding $200 payments. Enhanced STAR is only available to homeowners over the age of 65 who have an annual income of less than 92,000 dollars.
Peggy Chase, a Democrat representing Onondaga County in the legislature, has said these payments would be helpful to seniors on their fixed incomes as property values and taxes continue to climb.
William Kinne (D), a member of the legislature in Onondaga County, has expressed his approval of the stimulus check program for seniors and urged county authorities to also address the needs of other demographics, including those with lesser incomes.
While Legislator Kinne praised the County Executive for coming up with the idea, she argued that the community as a whole, not only those with low incomes, should be considered.
