To the editor:
I recently received an (undated) letter from Senator Mike Martucci. With mid term elections coming up and the good Senator trying to be all things to all people, he began the communication with comments about NYS and the over-taxed people that we are. His direct focus was about school taxes.
In the letter, he indicates that the Mid-Hudson has the 4th largest tax rate in the state. After getting your attention with that, Mike continues with (no facts) that older residents have more difficulty paying school taxes that younger people - not sure that’s accurate.
Keep in mind that many people in the 42nd District are, in fact, public employees- either working or retired. (People with guaranteed annual incomes) Many of those retired have been a ‘two income’ family and are, therefore, also a ‘two retirement income’ family. True, financial matters are proving to be a real challenge these days but Martucci has introduced a bill (S.4362) that would eliminate taxes for any homeowner 60 or older. On the surface this generates great appeal but the after effect would be all too obvious.
He admits that the problem of paying for the revenue vacuum this would create is a logical issue. “How could we find this revenue?” “...our State’s Medicaid program...” Stick it to the low income and needy, Mike.
Suggestion: If you really are interested in helping the people who actually DO have difficulty with school/property taxes then focus your efforts on identifying low-income homeowners and give them the tax break. If you think there’s fraud in the area of Health Care (no doubt) then ferret it out. Don’t go after the people who are least likely/able to fight back.
He’s trying- very trying.

Jim Newton
Livingston Manor