Push for lower taxes on your SS benefits OI recently received a mailing from Congressman Maurice Hinchey stating “the 2.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment on Social Security payments was too low.” I am sure that we who receive Social Security benefits agree wholeheartedly with his position. In a letter last year, Hinchey said the income tax on 85 percent of Social Security benefits should be reduced to 50 percent for those whose household income exceeds $41,000. It is already at 50 percent for those with incomes of $31,000 to $41,000. In fact, Hinchey has said he would like to see no Social Security benefits subject to federal income taxes for those with annual household income of up to $100,000. Urge your representatives in Congress to support it. The state’s “Enhanced STAR Program” applies to those with up to $60,000 in annual income. So, why does the federal income tax apply to 50 percent of Social Security at income of $31,000 and to 85 percent if income exceeds $41,000? Many veterans who retired before 1998 are unhappy about being left out of the state’s Veterans’ Buy Back legislation. The Assembly passed a bill sponsored by state Assembly Member Eric Vitaliano (A11501) two years ago. This bill would have amended state Sen. Thomas Morahan’s bill (S2329) to permit all retirees who retired before Dec. 21, 1998, to apply within a year for a “Supplemental Military Allowance” of up to three years of military service. There would be no cost to the eligible retiree. The supplemental allowance would be calculated on the first $15,000 of “0” option pension. S2329 was sent to the Senate Civil Service Pension Committee last year. And A4246 has made it to the Rules Committee. Call your state legislators about this Veterans’ Justice legislation. Tell them, “Once a veteran, always a veteran.” You did not cease to be a veteran after Dec. 21, 1998. Meetings The Long Island Chapter of PEF Retirees will meet February 27, and the Albany Chapter on March 4. Both meetings will be held at the local PEF offices. The New York City Chapter will notify members by mail, and a mid-February meeting will be held in Poughkeepsie. Back to Communicator Homepage