Senator Fuschillo Votes to Expand Property Tax Exemption Benefits for Veterans Who Served in Iraq & Afghanistan

             Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate recently passed legislation he cosponsored to expand property tax exemption benefits for veterans who re-enlisted in the military to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

            “There are many veterans who re-enlisted to serve in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. These brave men and women shouldn’t have to wait to be formally discharged to receive a property tax exemption for combat service,” said Senator Fuschillo. “Allowing local governments to offer this exemption would be a small token of appreciation to men and women who have repeatedly made sacrifices in service our country.” 

            Current law allows local government to offer honorably discharged veterans a property tax exemption, with an additional exemption if they served in combat. However, there are currently veterans who were previously discharged from the service, but re-enlisted to serve in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. While these servicemen and women are entitled to the standard veteran exemption, they are not allowed to receive the additional combat exemption until after they are formally discharged again. 

            The legislation (S3222) would allow municipalities to offer the additional combat service exemption to servicemen and women who have returned home to New York State but have not yet been formally discharged from their subsequent service.  

            The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.

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