HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Elder Vogel (R-47) that would expand property tax relief for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans was unanimously approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Senate Bill 578 is a constitutional amendment that would expand the state’s Property Tax Exemption program to the unmarried surviving spouse upon the death of an eligible veteran provided that the State Veterans’ Commission determines such person is in need of the exemption.
Currently, honorably discharged veterans must be 100% disabled and have a financial need to receive a 100% exemption from property taxes.
The measure also eliminates the “War Time” Clause so that the injury does not have to occur during a war for a veteran to be eligible for the exemption. Additionally, the legislation ensures that a veteran’s primary residence is still exempt while he or she is in a long-term care facility and excludes compensation for an injury from the calculation of income.
“The men and women in the military put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom and our way of life every day,” Senator Bartolotta said. “Veterans who suffer a lifelong disability and financial difficulties as a result of their service deserve to be included in the property tax exemption program.”
“During the summer, especially on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, we as a nation and a Commonwealth are reminded of the service and sacrifice of the men and women who gave so much to preserve our freedom and our way of life,” Senator Vogel said. “That debt of gratitude is not limited to just holidays and special events. It is a debt we can never adequately repay. This bill recognizes those who endured injuries while in uniform and truly deserves the support of my colleagues and should be sent to the governor’s desk as soon as possible.”
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (Bartolotta’s Office), 717-787-1463
Nate Troupe (Vogel’s Office), ntroupe@pasen.gov