TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Joseph V. Doria and Paul A. Sarlo which would provide veterans’ widows with a property tax exemption when the veteran’s disability declaration is granted after death, was approved today by Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
“Our veterans have given so much for our freedom, and we need to express our gratitude for their efforts to them and their families by easing their property tax burden,” said Senator Doria, D-Hudson. “This bill is our way of proving to veterans and their families that we appreciate their service and recognize the financial burden that disabled vets and their families can go through.”
The bill, S-188, would expand the eligibility criteria for the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, to allow surviving spouses to claim the exemption if a veteran’s disability declaration is granted after they pass away.
According to Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic, “Under the measure, municipalities would be permitted, at their discretion, to refund the taxes that have been paid since the veteran’s actual disability, or since death.
“The surviving spouses of veterans usually are left to live on a fixed income, which makes it difficult to makes ends meet,” said Senator Sarlo. “Property taxes are a major concern for all the residents of New Jersey, but for many of the spouses of deceased, disabled veterans, the burden can be too much and the State has an obligation to the memory of our vets to help their widows make ends meet.”
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.