Long Islanders can only watch and wait as state lawmakers continue to battle with Governor Pataki (R-NY) over STAR rebates and health care cuts.

Pataki vetoed about $2 billion from the state budget, including proposed property tax rebate checks of between $300 and $400 to homeowners. Pataki also axed money for health care, which experts say could greatly impact Long Island hospitals. Nassau University Medical Center president Daniel Kane says the cuts could cost the hospital as much as $30 million in lost reimbursement.

State legislators overturned Pataki?s veto, but the governor says he is considering court action to uphold his decisions. Officials say a court battle could delay rebate checks and drag the controversy on for years.

Related Information: Pataki vetoes STAR rebates for Long Island, state homeowners Long Island homeowners may see STAR rebates vetoed