Give Veterans Increase In Property Tax Deduction, 9th District Says

TRENTON, NJ — Representatives from the 9th Legislative District are throwing their support behind new efforts to increase the amount of property tax deductions that veterans receive.

Sen. Carmen Amato and Asm. Brian Rumpf and Gregory Myhre announced that they have requested to be added as co-sponsors to legislation that proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the veterans’ property tax deduction from the current $250 to $2,500 over a span of four years.

The companion legislation, SCR-81 and ACR-58, has been introduced by Sen. Troy Singleton and Asm. Carol A. Murphy, respectively. Since both are Democrats and the 9th District delegation are all Republicans, Amato, Rumpf and Myhre said they were proud to support this initiative that has bipartisan support.

“Unquestionably, veterans deserve an increase in the property tax deduction that was established in recognition of their service and sacrifice to our great nation. An even greater need to advance this legislation is the fact that the veterans' property tax deduction has not been increased since 2003,” the delegation said in a statement.

The legislation proposes increasing the tax deduction by $750 in the first year and $500 in each of the three years thereafter.

“Our legislative district is home to a significant number of veterans and, therefore, our constituents stand to benefit tremendously from an increase in the veterans’ property tax deduction,” they said.

Rumpf serves on the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Amato voted yes on SCR-81 as a member of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

At the moment, SCR-81 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee while ACR-58 is awaiting initial consideration by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Since SCR-81 and ACR-58 propose amending the State Constitution, the legislation must first be approved by the State Legislature and then voters must approve a ballot question to allow for the tax deduction to be increased.