Sen. Mario Mattera

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 8461) requires that uncommitted funds in New York's Climate Investment Account - collected by utilities through customer bills under the "bill-as-you-go" system - be automatically returned to ratepayers at the end of each fiscal year. It directly affects utility customers who paid these funds, ensuring unused money is credited back to their accounts instead of remaining in the state fund. The key provision amends state law to mandate this refund, specifying that funds not allocated for climate programs by year-end must be credited to ratepayer accounts. The bill does not change how funds are used for climate initiatives but clarifies the process for returning unused amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New York's law to explicitly include veterans in the legal definition of "military status." It expands the current definition - which already covers active military service - to protect veterans who have completed their service from unlawful discrimination. The key change adds the phrase "a person's participation in the military service... if such person has been released from such service" to the existing definition. This means veterans will now be covered under the same anti-discrimination protections that apply to active-duty military personnel. The change applies to all areas governed by this law, including employment and housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill phases in tax cuts for New York residents by gradually increasing the tax-free threshold for married couples filing jointly and heads of household over ten years. For married couples, the tax-free amount rises from $10,000 in 2026 to $100,000 by 2035, with corresponding adjustments to tax rates for income above $500,000. It repeals existing tax law provisions related to benefit recapture and updates the tax rate tables annually to reflect these changes. The bill directly affects New York residents filing as married couples or heads of household, particularly those with taxable incomes between $7,500 and $25 million.

Maddy summaryS 587 creates a new income tax deduction for cash tips received by workers, specifically for tips classified as wages under federal tax law. This change directly affects service industry workers (like servers and bartenders) who receive cash tips, allowing them to subtract those tips from their taxable income. The bill adds a specific deduction line to the tax code for cash tips received during a tax year, effective for all tax returns filed for 2025 and later. It does not change how tips are reported to employers but adjusts how they are treated for state tax purposes. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax credit for homeowners in school districts and certain local governments that maintain stable property tax budgets (called "freeze-compliant budgets") for 2026 through 2028. Homeowners whose primary residence is in an eligible district can receive a credit equal to either the actual increase in their school district taxes or a calculated amount based on the district's allowable tax growth rate, whichever is larger. The credit applies to taxes paid directly to school districts or other eligible local governments (like towns or villages), but excludes cities with over one million residents. It only benefits taxpayers in districts that meet specific budget stability requirements for the specified years.

Directs the commissioner of taxation and finance to help entities to elect to participate in the federal tax credit for elementary and secondary scholarships known as the Educational Choice for Children Act of 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 2026 as Youth Art Month in New York State. It does not change laws or create new programs, but rather designates a specific month for public awareness of art education. The resolution highlights the importance of visual arts in schools and encourages community support for art programs. It is a ceremonial measure that directs the governor to issue a proclamation for the observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 23, 2026, as Pakistan-American Heritage Day in the state. It directly affects the Pakistani-American community in New York by creating a formal day to recognize their cultural contributions and heritage. The resolution directs copies to the Governor, the Pakistani Consulate in New York City, and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group for their records. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but rather serves to acknowledge and celebrate the Pakistani-American community's presence and achievements in New York State.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 15-21, 2026, as Agriculture Week in New York State. The resolution recognizes the importance of farming to the state's economy and food supply, and it aligns with National Agriculture Week celebrations. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of agriculture's contributions to New York. The bill is a ceremonial measure intended to honor farmers and promote awareness of the agricultural industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in the state. It directly affects Governor Kathy Hochul by requesting her signature on a proclamation recognizing the historical significance of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The resolution highlights the academy's role in American history and its contributions to national defense and leadership. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the institution's legacy.