Senator Murphy helps extend property tax exemption for Cold War Veterans

Albany, NY - The ink was barely dry on the documents signed by the Japanese Empire signifying the end of the Second World War when another war began. There were no direct military campaigns in the "Cold War" between the United States and the Soviet Union, yet billions of dollars and millions of lives were lost in the 45-year struggle for global supremacy.
 
Returning home after safeguarding our freedom, New York service men and women were given a Cold War veterans property tax exemption. Unfortunately, that well-intentioned act was limited to only 10 years. Seeking to extend this time frame, Senator Murphy has co-sponsored S5722A, legislation that authorizes counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts to extend the Cold War veterans property tax exemption for another 10 years or make it permanent. With bi-partisan support, the bill passed the State Senate unanimously on June 20th by a vote of 62-0, and is now in the hands of the Assembly.
 
"Our state's Cold War veterans served our nation honorably and should not be stripped of these much needed, much deserved property tax savings," said Senator Murphy. "This bill is not an unfunded mandate on local governments. It is simply authorization to extend this exemption to veterans who have selflessly served our nation."
 
"This bill extending the tax exemption for our veterans of the Cold War is certainly well deserved," said Ron Tocci, Director for the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency. "Anyone who wears the uniform, whether they are under fire or not, deserves consideration. I want to thank Senator Murphy for his compassion on behalf of all those who have served."
 
Karl Rohde, Director for the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency said, "The Korean War is often referred to as the 'forgotten war.' However, the Cold War is the war that should be have that description.  Sadly, the veterans who served during that time are overlooked regarding many of the compensations that other veterans enjoy.  They should be fully welcomed into the fraternity of those who have served their country during a period of war in every aspect of life.  That Senator Murphy recognizes this by sponsoring this bill is testament to his devotion to our Veterans."
Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio said, "I am very pleased that that New York State Senate, with the help of Senator Terrence Murphy, has extended the Cold War Veterans' tax exemption. This exemption provides tax relief for those have served our country. I continue to stand with our veterans and will support programs that assist them."
 
"As a combat wounded veteran, I believe that anyone in the military who swore to defend this nation from it's enemies should be given a tax exemption," said William Nazario, Past National Sr. Vice Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. "Our Cold War Veterans served during an era of uncertainty and peril. They were required to be at the top of their game because of the stressful time in which they served in. Lest we forget that, 'freedom is not free' and these patriots were at the gates protecting our Nation from the ugly head of communism."