Gov. Hochul signs package of bills aimed at allowing seniors to ‘age in place’

Two of the bills signed by the governor focused on seniors aging in place.

Nadia Galindo

Aug 8, 2022, 4:50 PM

Updated 847 days ago

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Gov. Kathy Hochul signed three bills into law during a news conference in Yonkers on Monday – two of which will go toward providing financial relief for senior homeowners.
One law allows for a more flexible timeline for emergency home repairs for seniors who receive funding from the states RESTORE program.
"The cost of repairs, things start breaking down, it can be something that thrusts someone into poverty if they can't fix something that is essential,” said Hochul.  
Another law, sponsored by Westchester Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, would help lower the burden of local property taxes for seniors age 65+ and people with disabilities.
Municipalities can now raise the maximum income for New York's property tax exemption from 29,000 to 50,000.
Marie Johnson, the executive director of Sprye - a nonprofit that works with seniors – said the bills are a step in the right direction to helping seniors age in place.
"Eight out of 10 people want to remain in their homes and to do that, they may have to make modifications, upgrades to remain safely and the affordability to remain in their home.”
The third bill signed by the governor impacts first-time home buyers. It allows local municipalities the option to extend property tax exemptions on newly constructed homes through 2028.