Maltese's Statewide Legislative Plan for those who are disabled

Maryann Maltese, the delegate for NYS Assembly 12th AD (Democrat/Independent) has been a long time advocate for those with disabilities and Individuals with Special needs.

"I was the victim of a terrible pedestrian accident; where a motorist hit me from behind crushing both of my legs in 2007-I was unable to have full use of my legs leaving rods implanted in my legs for life", said Maryann Maltese. "I'm thankful to be alive, to be walking, to be riding my bike and my partial health recovery is because of the love and concern I received from my children; Kayla and Christian". It was a long journey to walk again, to feel complete as my prior self, and exercise with my constant determination as myself was the most important thing to focus on."

I returned to work; within the NYS Legislature; never losing my mojo to keep your mind engaged. With rods implanted; you can feel differences at times and this is why I maintain my handicap parking privileges. You'll find me not parking there often because it's my own win for me to challenge myself; if I can.

As a former regional Communications Planner with the NYS Legislature for 18 years; I worked with several Members who sat or Chaired the Assembly and Senate Disability and Mental Health Committees and regionally speaking; there are differences between counties in how the Townships process a Disabled's Property Tax Exemption applications. When you're a victim of an accident; or born with a disability, or if you one should become disabled at work; and you own primary property; one's ability to make the same level of money before disability is often reduced and income should not be the prerequisite for approval for disability property tax exemptions with NYS.

"Additionally, COVID 19, Pandemic may stir new disability claims and demands for new educational standards to be implemented to deal with the impact of social distancing our children and selves have been mandated to follow", said Maryann Maltese. Our education laws encourage socialization and now that our children have been distancing themselves from their peers-new ideas and new goals are necessary to consider in Albany in education and for those adults who are disabled", said Maryann Maltese . An Innovative leader with the know-how to get things done in Albany is needed for the 12th Assembly District; and I have the ability and leadership qualities to get it done-it isn't a question, but a statement.

When I get to Albany, I will introduced a bill to eliminate the income requirements for primary owners listed on the deed who are disabled, suffer from a disability or become disabled. It's time to recognize that the disabled's income changes and tort rewards for pain and suffering are not income and should not be used in configurations if a homeowner is or has become disabled with their primary property. Many disabled are on Social Security or making limited income levels that place us in "poor person classifications". Why income proof is even necessary to demonstrate as proof to receive property tax exemptions on ones primary piece of property if one is classified as disabled is not right. NYS recognizes other special classifications of individuals for property tax exemptions; such as Veterans, who receive a NYS Veteran's Exemption-combat's served and their income requirements for Veterans are exempt, but not the disabled.

I believe this mentality is wrong, and special populations like the disabled; should receive the same privileges under the State Property Tax code-eliminating the basis to produce income to be eligible for disabled property tax exemption to be applied.

If you're disabled; that in it of it self, with supporting proof once is enough proof for me to introduce this vital piece of NYS legislation.Once you have been classified; unless the recipient chooses to negate from their disability benefits; a property exemption for the disabled should be approved. As someone who was disabled by another's mistake; I should not have to demonstrate income for proof of disability in order to be eligible for the disabled property tax exemption requirements.

This week; my court challenge to have access to the State Election Ballot; as either/or a Delegate (Democrat) or as an Independent Petitioner is pending at State Suffolk Supreme Court.

Let me know your thoughts on both here or at MaryannmalteseforNYSAssembly@gmail.com