Senator O'Brien supports reservists, National Guard members

Ted O'Brien

June 2, 2013

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Ted O’Brien today announced that the State Senate passed an amendment to the real property tax law that would allow local governments to grant a 5 percent tax reduction to long-term veterans of the National Guard or any of the reserve branches of the United States Military. Senator O'Brien voted yes on the measure.

“At a time when families are struggling, I am proud to support these needed property tax relief opportunities for our dedicated Reservists and National Guard members,” said Senator O'Brien, who had also supported the bill, S.553-B, in the Senate's Local Government committee. “These citizen soldiers are not only our friends and neighbors, they are also a critical line of defense against natural and man-made disasters and crises. It is only fitting that we provide them with well-earned property tax relief and redouble our efforts to show them our gratitude.”

The bill gives any municipality in the state the authority to create a 5 percent local property tax exemption for all Reservists and National Guard members who have received their standard “20-year letter,” which informs them of their eligibility for military retirement benefits.

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Sen. O’Brien represents the 55th district in the Senate, which is made up of the eastern half of Monroe County and the western half of Ontario County, including much of the city of Rochester.

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