Councilman Amatorio Sponsors Legislation Supporting Armed Forces Veterans’ Property Tax Deduction Transfers

BERGENFIELD, NJ — At last night’s Bergenfield Council work session, Councilman Arvin Amatorio introduced a resolution, and was adopted by the Council, urging that veterans’ property tax deductions be transferred to assisted living facilities upon the qualified veterans, or spouses of deceased veterans, change in residence. Amatorio is also Council liaison to the Bergenfield Veterans Committee.

“Bergenfield is home to approximately 700 veterans, and a good number of them qualify for our Disabled Veterans Property Tax Deduction, which I was proud to sponsor in 2017, to help veterans stay in their homes. If they require more care, or wish to move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), they should still receive tax deductions at the municipal or state level to thank them for their service, and provide them with a little extra income for themselves and their families,” said Councilman Arvin Amatorio.

Twenty four municipalities in New Jersey have CCRCs which house 2,500 veterans or widowed spouses of veterans. Many veterans and spouses of deceased veterans who–as homeowners–qualified for property tax deductions. Upon moving into assisted living facilities or nursing homes, these individuals currently receive no tax deduction in the amount they pay for rooms.

The resolution, which will be voted on at the October 15 public meeting, affirms the Borough of Bergenfield’s support for Senator Bill 1331, which would extend property tax deductions to veterans and their widowed spouses in CCRCs. Senate Bill 1331 passed in both the state Senate and General Assembly, and will be voted on by all New Jersey voters’ ballots on election day, November 5.

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