Tax rebate checks have been mailed to thousands of people across the state, bringing an unexpected payday to many Long Island families.

The $350 rebate checks were sent to any homeowner who earns between $40,000 and $300,000 a year, and who has at least one child 16 or younger.

The checks from the state are arriving just weeks ahead of Election Day, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the entire state Legislature are up for re-election.

Political consultant Mike Dawidziak says politicians likely hope the checks bring them goodwill from voters in November, but he says it's nothing new. "It's a win-win for everybody," he says. "It's a win for the elected officials and it's certainly a win for the taxpayer."

Critics, including Albany-based conservative group Empire Center, call it a political gimmick that does little or nothing to stimulate the economy because it's only temporary.

Another check is also being sent to many taxpayers soon: a rebate to offset any school tax increases for districts that stayed within the property's tax cap. Those checks will be sent within the coming weeks, officials say.