Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
April 3, 2017

What’s New In New York State? Assemblyman Fred Thiele On The Assembly’s 2017-18 State Budget Proposal

Sydney A. Braatby Sydney A. Braat
in Community
Home Community

Assemblyman Fred Thiele announced that he helped pass the Assembly’s 2017-18 state budget proposal. The proposal invests in vital programs and services for hardworking families. The Assembly has observed the many challenges of 2016 and hopes to improve the lives of New York families in the 2017 year and years to follow, making their goal to move New York forward.

The plan is to provide a total of $26.3 billion in education funding which is an overall increase of $1.8 billion or 7.4 percent from last year. The Assembly Majority believes the Foundation Aid formula is too important in ensuring that resources are directed in the most fair and equitable manner. The formula has been readjusted to ensure that it accurately reflects the cost of educating a child in New York and the number of children living in poverty. There is a strong commitment in the remaining Foundation Aid over the course of four years, while adjusting and updating the formula to ensure fairness and equality. Foundation Aid would be increased by $1.4 billion for the 2017-18 school year for a total of $17.8 billion, which is $1 billion more than the executive plan. This plan distinguished Community Schools Aid as an independent category to ensure Foundation Aid and Community Schools each receive adequate funding.

The Assembly budget proposal increases funding for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the maximum award would be raised to $5,500 per year, a $335 increase, and then increased to $6,500 over a four-year period. A total of $40 million will be allocated for Part-time TAP at community colleges across New York State. This increase and award will allow students with family and other obligations to attend college on their own schedule.

In addition, the Assembly will improve the executive’s proposed Excelsior Scholarship program to provide free college tuition to more middle-class families. The plan provides free SUNY and CUNY tuition to families earning up the $125,000 per year. The Assembly’s overall changes would allow students to take 12 credits for two semesters as opposed to the current requirement of 15 credits per semester, reset the tuition that Excelsior pays every four years to keep up with rising tuition costs, better accommodates special needs students, and raise the maximum income level to qualify to $150,000 in the fourth year of the program.

“We must do everything we can to ensure SUNY schools are fully funded so they can offer an affordable college education and challenging learning environment for their students,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “The return on these investments will pay themselves back and then some by keeping our economy and state moving forward for generations to come.”

SUNY Oneonta is a school that will be affected by this adjusted budget. (Photo: Facebook.com)


The Assembly is also working to address growing income inequality and is pushing for a progressive tax structure. The current tax code will expire in 2017, so the Assembly’s proposal will extend and expand the state millionaires’ tax to ensure adequate and fair funding for important services that our families depend on. This will implement previously approved middle-class tax cuts while re-establishing higher income tax rates for millionaires and multimillionaires earning as much as $100 million or more. The state would generate $7 billion more than the executive’s proposal over four years.

This proposal offers real tax relief for working families and expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from the current 30 percent of the federal credit to 35 percent. The EITC helps workers earning a low income to reduce their taxes and keep up with the rising costs of living. The proposal will also enhance the Child and Dependent Care Credit for taxpayers earning between $50,000 and $150,000. The credit is based on a sliding income scale for working parents who pay for child care or those who live with a spouse or dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

The Assembly budget proposal fixes the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program to ensure fair, timely tax relief. The goal is to provide all eligible homeowners deserved tax relief upfront as a reduction in their school tax bill. Changes have been made to STAR during 2016 which proved to be incredibly inconvenient for the affected homeowners. Before these changes, all eligible homeowners saw a yearly reduction in their school tax bill. With the current system, all homeowners have to pay a higher school tax bill first, then receive a rebate check in the fall. Inconveniently, some homeowners have received their checks far later than they were supposed to or have received the incorrect amount. The Assembly budget proposal rejects the executive’s changes to the Enhanced STAR program. Under the current executive’s proposal, all seniors eligible for the Enhanced STAR program would have to register with the state and participate in the Income Verification Program. Currently, though, seniors are able to register with their local assessor or register when they file their income tax returns—a process that has proved to be easier.

The Assembly’s budget proposal includes $715 million in Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) which is $50 million more than the executive’s proposal. AIM funding provides direct state aid to local governments.

The abuse of heroin has taken over communities in New York creating serious safety and health concerns. In order to address this prevalent issue of heroin and opioid addiction that has evidently devastated families and communities across the state, the Assembly budget proposal includes a series of measures to increase access to treatment and help New Yorkers who struggles with addiction. The goal is to help them take back their lives by providing $240 million to support a variety of heroin and opioid treatment prevention programs. There will be 24/7 crisis centers intended to provide immediate intervention and connections to treatment.

Fred W. Thiele, Jr. is a lifelong resident of Sag Harbor. (Courtesy Photo)



“The heroin epidemic has caused a lot of pain for families across New York State, and although we’ve taken important steps to fight it, we can’t stop now – there’s so much more to be done to save lives,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “The Assembly’s proposal boosts funding for critical addiction treatment to ensure all those who seek treatment can get it without unnecessary hurdles.”

Clean energy and alternatives to provide environmental preservation is also a main concern for the Assembly. There will be $7 million dedicated for environmental health programs, including for children’s environmental health centers, air monitoring and Lyme disease control. As a part of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the Assembly’s budget incIudes programs such as land acquisition (funded at $40 million after a $7 million increase), water quality improvement projects (funded at $20 million), a $2 million increase for the eradication of invasive species, bringing total funding to $14 million, e-waste collection days (funded at $1 million), and lastly rail trails (funded at $1 million).

The Assembly’s budget proposal provides meaningful tax incentives for small and family-owned businesses, which makes it easier and more profitable to operate in New York State. Under the plan, the corporate income tax rate for small businesses with an income of $290,000 or less would be reduced to 4 percent from 6.5 percent. An estimated 42,000 businesses would see significant tax relief.

“From Long Island to Buffalo, small businesses, farmers, manufacturers and innovative companies fuel our state’s economy,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “The Assembly’s budget proposal opens New York up for business by cutting taxes and helping our hardworking families get the jobs they need and deserve.”

The Excelsior Jobs Program offers incentives for businesses to expand in and relocate to New York State by providing tax credits to firms making a substantial commitment to growth through increased employment or through capital investment in a New York facility.

“The Excelsior Jobs Program is a prime example of a program we already have in place that needs revamping,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “So the Assembly’s proposal does just that – because it’s time we finally make New York State a place where jobs are created, where the entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and where small businesses can put down real, long-lasting roots.”

The Assembly’s new budget proposal doubles all the current research and development tax credit percentages. “Businesses that conduct research and development are an economic boon for New York State, helping us compete in today’s world and supplying high-paying jobs,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “That’s why we’re taking the necessary steps to ensure fast-growing industries remain a mainstay in the state’s economy.”

The proposed budget will provide $90 million for the Restore New York Communities Initiative, helping revitalize our local communities. $10 million will also be provided for the Community Restoration Fund which will address vacant and abandoned properties that bring down property values and threaten public safety in neighborhoods.

The Assembly is pushing to increase government transparency in economic development projects by requiring Empire State Development (ESD) and the Department of Economic Development (DED) to maintain a comprehensive statewide searchable database of all funding that flows through these agencies. “Billions of taxpayer dollars are being put into economic development projects throughout the state, and New Yorkers absolutely have a right to know where the money’s going, how it’s being spent and who’s having a say in the process,” said Assemblyman Thiele.

Water safety has been an utmost concern in recent years and the Assembly’s proposal strengthens the executive’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. The Assembly will also invest in infrastructure, better maintaining roads and bridges in communities. “We are a society and economy dependent on our roads,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “CHIPS is a smart investment – it helps fund much-needed repairs in our infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs for the East End.”

There is continued committed support for veterans, especially through programs that help members of the military transition into civilian life. This year’s budget proposal includes $1 million for Veterans Courts and $675,000 in restorations for various other veterans programs. There will be funding for an on-the-job training program to help veterans interested in the agricultural industry. The program allows veterans to use their military benefits while directly gaining job skills on New York farms.

Lastly, this year’s budget proposal continues to look out for consumer rights. The plan includes $350,000 to create the New York State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) to serve as an independent advocate and appear on behalf of New York ratepayers in state and federal regulatory proceedings. It includes $1 million for intervener funding for consumer advocacy in utility rate cases before the Public Service Commission. “All too often New Yorkers’ voices are drowned out by the power and influence of big utility companies,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “They deserve transparency in how rates are decided, accountability and affordable, universal service.”

The Government Office of Assemblyman Fred Thiele is located at 2302 Main St # A, Bridgehampton. For more information, contact the District Office at 631-537-2583 or visit assembly.state.ny.us.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

By Dria X 111Skin at The Surf Lodge
Community

By Dria X 111Skin at The Surf Lodge

September 9, 2025
Third Annual Summer Soirée for Citymeals on Wheels
Gallery

Third Annual Summer Soirée for Citymeals on Wheels

September 9, 2025
Dance The Night Away At Eleanor Whitmore’s Summer Benefit
Community

Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center Launches Infant Program This Fall

September 9, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

12
Sep
12
Sep
-
14
Sep

Arts and Archives presented by Springs Historical Society and Community Library, Opening Reception, September 13 Ashawagh Hall

September 12 @ 01:00 PM - September 14 @ 03:00 PM
Ashawagh Hall, 780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hamton
12
Sep
12
Sep
-
16
Sep

Toy Story 30th Anniversary Screening 

September 12 @ 01:00 PM - September 16 @ 07:00 PM
Southampton Playhouse, 43 Hill St, Southampton, NY
12
Sep
12
Sep
-
12
Sep

Surf Movie Night 2025

September 12 @ 05:30 PM - September 12 @ 09:00 PM
Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Ln., Southampton, NY
12
Sep
12
Sep
-
12
Sep

Limewired Live at Meschutt Beach

September 12 @ 06:30 PM - September 12 @ 09:00 PM
90 Bishop Pl, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
12
Sep
12
Sep
-
12
Sep

Willie Nile Band

September 12 @ 08:00 PM - September 12 @ 08:30 PM
161 Main St, Amagansett, NY 11930
Load more listings
Next Post
“Extinction” At Guild Hall – An Unmissable Hamptons Theater Experience

"Extinction" At Guild Hall - An Unmissable Hamptons Theater Experience

  • The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons) hosted the Bow Wow Meow Ball in East Hampton. The evening’s honorees, Ellen and Chuck Scarborough, were presented with the Champion of Animals Award, recognizing their more than twenty-five years of support to ARF. ⁠
⁠
Over 400 guests celebrated ARF’s remarkable work with cocktails, followed by dinner catered by Olivier Cheng. Peter Marino, accompanied by his daughter and ARF Board Member Isabelle Trapnell Marino, presented the Scarboroughs with their award. ⁠
⁠
📸: Patrick McMullan/PMC⁠
⁠
Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#arf #bowwowmeowball #hamptons #animalrescuefund #animalrescue
  • Make sure to add this event to your list for next summer
#Seafood #localeats #mtk #montaukgreen
  • I recently toured the new Rolex Boutique by London Jewelers in East Hampton, and it’s one of the most beautiful retail spaces I’ve ever stepped into. Located on Newtown Lane, the boutique is set inside a restored historic home that dates back to 1897, originally designed as a summer cottage.⁠
⁠
From the outside, it has that classic East Hampton charm, cedar shingles, white trim, and lush landscaping. But once you step inside, it’s all about quiet sophistication.⁠
⁠
The space is warm and welcoming, with walnut wood paneling, soft neutral tones, and beautiful textures throughout. There’s a fluted marble wall in a rich green Verdi Alpi stone that immediately catches your eye. It’s one of those details that’s understated but unmistakably Rolex.⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#rolex #easthampton #hamptons #luxury #watch⁠
  • 🎾 Men’s US Open Final Viewing Party⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 7 • 2–5PM⁠
📍 Canoe Place Inn, Hampton Bays⁠
Watch the riveting Men’s US Open Final with drinks, grilled classics & fellow tennis fanatics in the lush garden.⁠
⁠
🦞 Montauk Seafood Festival⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 6 – Sun, Sept 7 • 12–5PM⁠
📍 On the Green, Montauk⁠
The ultimate seafood event in the Hamptons! Lobster rolls, fish tacos, chowder, oysters & more 🐚🍤⁠
⁠
🩰 Master Class w/ Kat Wildish⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 6⁠
📍 Hamptons Ballet Theatre School, Bridgehampton⁠
Open-level adult ballet class with world-renowned former NYCB & ABT dancer Kat Wildish. One day only!⁠
⁠
🎶 Hamptons Festival of Music⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 6 • 7PM⁠
📍 St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, East Hampton⁠
THFM’s MainStage Festival Orchestra featuring The New American Sinfonietta 🎻✨⁠
⁠
🌾 Outstanding in the Field (Sagaponack)⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 7 • 3PM⁠
Dine where the food is grown! Guest chef Jason Weiner returns for his 19th year 🍽️🌱⁠
⁠
😂 Samantha Bee Live⁠
📅 Sat, Sept 6 • 8PM⁠
📍 WHBPAC, Westhampton Beach⁠
Award-winning comedian Samantha Bee brings her one-woman show to the Hamptons!⁠
⁠
🍴 Stirring The Pot: Andrew Carmellini⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 7 • 11AM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
NYT’s Florence Fabricant interviews star chef Andrew Carmellini about his restaurant empire.⁠
⁠
🌕 Full Harvest Moon Hike⁠
📅 Sun, Sept 7 • 7:30PM⁠
📍 Meet at SOFO Museum, Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Tpke⁠
Walk under the moonlight with Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt 🌙✨⁠
⁠
🎨 Style Beading Workshop⁠
📅 Fri, Sept 5 • 1PM⁠
📍 Nathaniel Rogers House, Bridgehampton⁠
Join Indigenous artist Savannah LeCornu to learn traditional beading techniques.⁠
⁠
⛳ A Legendary Day at Sebonack!⁠
📅 Tues, Sept 9 • 8:30AM–5PM⁠
📍 Sebonack Golf Club, Southampton⁠
An unforgettable day of golf supporting Westhampton Beach PAC 🌟⁠
⁠
👉 Which event are you going to this weekend?⁠
⁠
Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#community #entertainment #hamptons #usopen #golf #comedy #seafood #montauk
  • Hamptons fashion week was hosted at Zoe Hospitality Private Membership Club, featuring designer Johnny Was, Porshia Swim, Vernice Holmes, Atelier H, Cesar Galindo, SixyByVenice and Ines Hernandez Hats.

#hamptonsfashionweek
  • As the summer comes to an end, it’s time to find out what everyone was reading this summer.
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-613-8440
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

About Us | Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Live Cameras
  • Public WiFi

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us