Tucker, Benson, Lampitt & DeAngelo on Constitutional Amendment to Expand Eligibility for Veteran Tax Deduction

            (TRENTON) – In an effort to recognize and assist veterans independent of their combat experience, Assembly Democrats have sponsored a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to extend the existing $250 property tax deduction to all honorably discharged veterans, rather than just those with active wartime service or extended involvement in certain peacekeeping missions and operations.

After hearing from the public on the resolution (ACR-253) Monday, the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced the legislation. Assembly sponsors Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex), Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden, Burlington) and Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex) released the following joint statement:

“Regardless of whether a soldier served during a time of war, signing up to protect their fellow Americans in the first place was an act of courage that should be acknowledged. No matter what role a person serves in the military, every member contributes to its operations and allows it to function in defense of our country.

“In addition, veterans whose dangerous experiences are not currently recognized as wartime service due to formal technicalities would benefit from the proposed change. This is especially true for women veterans who were barred from combat units until only a few years ago, yet have played important roles in vital operations.

“No matter what – a vet is a vet. Providing more veterans with this property tax deduction honors the challenges and sacrifices each one of them made in service to America.

“It is important to acknowledge the significance of every soldier’s contribution to our armed forces, and this is one way we can do that. We are pleased this legislation will be moving forward on behalf of veterans throughout our state.”

            The resolution will now go to the Assembly Speaker for further consideration.