DOF testimony on Intros 1010, 934, 1033, and pre-considered 2458
Shear discusses Intros 1010 and 934 on increasing SCHE benefits and income caps, noting DOF support but deferring positions pending budget clarity for fiscal year 2028, and addresses Intro 1033 on discretionary notice requirements and pre-considered 2458 on annual training, questioning whether mandating annual training is necessary given existing practice.
Introductions 1010 and 934 both would increase SHE benefits based on recently granted state authority.
Intro 1010, which relies on authority that was enacted as part of the state budget, increases the maximum SHE exemption for lower income senior homeowners from 50%
to 65% starting in fiscal year 2028, as well as increasing the income cap to $83,400.
Intro 934 relies on state authority that was enacted separate from the state budget at the end of the legislative session.
It would move up the start of increasing she benefits from 50% to 65% of property taxes owed to fiscal year 2027.
DOF is generally supportive of increasing the income cap and benefits for she.
However, at this time, the city's budget has only funded increasing the income cap for she.
DOF therefore would like to defer our position on Intro 934 and on the benefit level increase in Intro 1010 until budget conditions become clearer for fiscal year 2028.
We look forward to working with the Council on each of these bills.
Regarding Intro 1033, we need time to review the bill and how it would facilitate our communication with customers.
Regarding pre-considered 2458, DOF already provides training to other outreach staff from other agencies and will continue to do so.
As such, we don't know if making this an annual requirement is necessary.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
I and my colleagues would be happy to answer any questions.
Anyone else have statement?
No?
Okay.