House Republican Press Release

March 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. ROWE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO EXPAND VETERAN’S BENEFITS

HARTFORD- State Representative T.R. Rowe, R-Trumbull, has introduced legislation that would expand property tax exemptions for Veterans. House Bill 5796, An Act Expanding The Veterans’ Property Tax is currently before the Legislature’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

HB 5796 would expand the veteran's property tax exemption to include all veterans, not only those that served in time of war. Currently, municipalities can grant an exemption of up to $10,000 or 10 percent off the assessed value of property for veterans. State law guarantees at least a $1,000 exemption, which is reimbursed by the state. Municipalities may also grant the additional exemptions but must cover the cost with local funds.

In 2002 and 2003, Rep. Rowe supported legislation that allowed towns to increase the tax exemption from $1,000 to $10,000 or up to 10 percent of a property’s assessed value. Generally, to be eligible for veterans’ property tax exemptions, a veteran must have been honorably discharged from service after having served at least 90 days of active-duty service in the U. S. Armed Forces during a statutorily defined time of war. A sole surviving parent of a veteran who died while serving in the armed forces or after receiving an honorable discharge is also entitled to an exemption.

“The question should not be whether you saw combat to receive these benefits but did you serve your country,” said Rep. Rowe, adding that a constituent helped bring the issue to his attention.  “This is an appropriate way to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of all people who have honorably served in our military.”