Senators Randy Vulakovich (R-38) and Camera Bartolotta (R-46) have introduced legislation calling for a state constitutional amendment to expand the Property Tax Exemption Program for Disabled Veterans.
Currently, an honorably discharged veteran must be 100 percent disabled to receive a 100 percent exemption from property taxes. The senators’ proposal would provide tax exemptions to all disabled veterans — with at least a fifty percent (50%) disability — at a percentage corresponding to their level of disability, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Under this proposal, veterans who are determined to be 100 percent disabled will continue to be completely exempted from paying property taxes, while those veterans considered 50 percent disabled would be exempt from paying half of their property taxes,” said Senator Vulakovich. “This measure is another way in which we can thank those men and women who were wounded or injured while serving our nation and our Commonwealth.”
“It is inconceivable that some of the brave men and women who sacrificed their health and wellbeing to protect our freedom are now struggling just to stay in their homes due to the rising property tax burden,” Senator Bartolotta said. “Extending property tax exemptions to more disabled veterans is an acknowledgement that their efforts on behalf of our nation are respected and appreciated.”
The constitutional amendment measure will be introduced as Senate Bill 1039. Amendments to the state Constitution must be approved by the General Assembly during two consecutive legislative sessions and be approved by voter referendum.
The bill will be the subject of a joint public hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Senator Vulakovich, and the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness set for 10 a.m. on Monday, October 26, in the Senate Majority Caucus Room, Room 156 in the Main Capitol.
Contact: Nate Silcox (717) 787-6538 (Senator Vulakovich)
Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463 (Senator Bartolotta)