prove to us your worth your salt Hawley, getter done or no one will vote for you next election. NYS sucks be cause of all you politicians because politicians lie.

The minority party passing legislation that is completely against what the majority wants to do is as probable as Obama ending social security.

Bill, Steve Hawley is not a liar. He's a good ole hometown boy, Respected by most, who has chosen to try to help Ny with his knowledge in politics and the state. Thats all

What's wrong with Mr.Hawley..Doesn't he know the only ones who get tax money back are those that don't pay taxes..For ex,welfare moms get 200 per child for school supplies..What about the star rebate they took away , they were going to get it repealed for us taxpayers..Nice try Steve..

Posted by Mark Potwora on August 13, 2009 - 5:31pm
What about the star rebate they took away , they were going to get it repealed for us taxpayers..Nice try Steve..

I'm all for the STAR program. Just curious, how many on here took advantage of the STAR program (isn't that government money helping out homeowners?).

When a person or entity that pays taxes on something (property, income, sales, etc.) pays less tax on that item - that's called a tax decrease. When a person or entity that doesn't pay taxes on something, and then gets money from the government to 'assist' with the cost of that item - that's called public assistance. Don't worry Bea, it confuses many people - in face it confused a majority of voters in the last Presidential election.
Lowering taxes, repealing old taxes and offering refunds for obviously overtaxing your citizens stimulates the economy longer, with a larger multiplier factor. Increasing taxes, adding on new taxes and increasing public assistance programs only stimulates the economy for a short period of time and decreases overall productivity and has a significantly lower multiplier effect.

You are right to a point.
The rebate checks will not go to middle class this year.

New York State's School Tax Relief (STAR) Program includes the Basic and Enhanced STAR Property Tax Exemptions. The Middle Class STAR Rebate checks will not be distributed in 2009.

Information regarding the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program is available on the State Department of Taxation and Finance website.

The Basic and Enhanced STAR Property Tax Exemptions are homestead exemptions. Basic STAR is available to anyone who owns and lives in his or her own home. Enhanced STAR is available to senior homeowners whose incomes do not exceed the statewide standard.

Bea, I took advantage of the STAR program for years. As a tax payer I didn't feel that it was the government's money in the first place. It was money returned to me that shouldn't have been taken from me in the first place.

It's a lot easier for our unelected governor to raise taxes than it is to cut overspending from the state budget so I'm all for anything that Steve Hawley can get back for us. Meanwhile I'll do whatever possible to pay as little state sales tax as I can. Everyone else should do the same. Consider it a civil revolt.

I was surprised, today, when I had to order a book for a friend and there was no sales tax on it.
I like ordering online, but it seems more and more are taking NY Sales Tax. Sucks!

You can avoid paying sales taxes in many ways. Some taxes such as the $.77 or $.78 per gallon of gasoline you buy can't be avoided. Not unless you get a few goats and claim farm status.

I hate not buying local but I also hate giving the state any more money than I already do. If I felt it were fair, I'd willingly pay it. For now I'm going to dodge it any way I can.

I used to buy a new truck every 2 or three years but even that's not going to happen ever again. I'll be making the two trucks I have last as long as possible. When it comes time for a new truck I'll be buying a used model from Texas and dropping a new drive train into it just so that I can say I only paid a couple thousand dollars for it. That way I can pay less taxes at the DMV at registration time.

Paying cash for things can get you large discounts. Save up and don't buy on credit. Even if you buy online you can pay for the purchase in most instances with a money order. There's no credit card statement or canceled check to audit when you use a money order. Be creative!

wake up Karen, crawl out of your shell see the real world, don't let the media do your thinking for you. politicians do lie. they tell you what you want to here. do what the party tells them.Steve is no deference.hes a politician.

Well if thats the case Bill, then I guess you wont be voting at all. After all you say ALL politicians are liars....How do you vote for any of them then? Just wondering. Oh and just for the record, if you read my posts from the past, I do call out the politicians who "I THINK" are full of BS. I am disliked for my outspoken personality. Ask Howard, He'll tell you LOL(o:

Id like to fix the way our country is being RIPED OFF, by Big Wigs of all sorts, but Im one little speck in the world.
Thank You Steve Hawley for not sitting on your hands, and collecting a check.
Thank You for your constant involvement, in making Genesee County a better place for its residents.
Thank You for standing up for Upstate New Yorkers, the elderly, and less fortunate.