Syracuse-area state Sen. John DeFrancisco is pushing Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign legislation he has sponsored that would give a tax break for renovations that makes housing more accessible for those with limited mobility.
Agnes McCray, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, is an advocate for the legislation.
“It's not so much about disability but the capability and the success of us all,” McCray said. "We cannot rest until there is equal opportunity for all no matter where we are in this community.”
McCray and the staff at ARISE, which is a nonprofit that helps with disability services, have been advocating locally in Syracuse and in Albany for the bill, which would provide a tax break up to $2,750 dollars for adding what they call visitability to a new or existing residence.
The guidelines, still yet to be determined, would most likely mean a zero-step entrance, wider doorways, and at least one first floor bathroom.
DeFrancisco said this bill will help seniors and those with disabilities be able to stay in their current homes.
“People with mobility issues know that not only they can access their homes but others will have the ability to do as will so you can live a full life,” DeFrancisco said.
He admits the bill's tax credit can only help so much.
“But it certainly makes it more affordable than just having to pay the entire freight to make your home more adaptable to those who have mobility issues," DeFrancisco said.
DeFrancisco said the bill should arrive at the governor's desk this week. The Republican senator has another bill that passed both houses which would allow for same-time transcripts in a court preceding for the hearing impaired which he also hopes the governor will sign.
