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Bailey supports measure that
would provide veterans with property tax relief
Senate Bill 5256 headed to governor’s
desk
Rep. Barbara Bailey
voted for a measure yesterday that would provide veterans with property tax
relief. The 10th District lawmaker believes the
bill was long overdue and necessary for certain veterans.
Senate Bill 5256 would allow federal veterans’ benefits awarded for
service-connected disability to be deducted from disposable income
total when computing a retired person's property tax reduction.
Veterans receive disability income when they have been deprived of
employment due to their service. Proponents of the bill have long
advocated that these payments not be included as disposable income.
“This bill was long overdue, and I’m happy to finally see it pass. It
will truly benefit our state’s most vulnerable veterans – including
their families,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “We must continue to look for ways to
support our veterans. They have dedicated their lives to securing our country
– and we should reciprocate by making sure they are financially secure in the
future.”
Proponents of the bill, including Bailey, point out that property
values and taxes keep rising, but veterans’ benefits do not rise
proportionately. This has resulted in many veterans not being able to
afford their property taxes. Senate Bill 5256 addresses some of these
concerns.
Bailey has
supported several veteran-related measures in the past and is a member
of the Joint Select Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs.
The bill is on its way to
the governor’s desk where it is
expected to be signed into law.
The 2008 legislative
session is scheduled to end March 13.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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