Garden State Times

Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre have requested to be added as co-sponsors to legislation proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the veterans’ property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years.

The companion legislation, SCR-81 and ACR-58, has been introduced by Senator Troy Singleton and Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, respectively. The 9th District Legislators issued a statement regarding their unified support for the initiative:

“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.

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

“In representing the interests of those who have served our nation, we are proud to join this veterans’ legislative initiative in that it has strong bipartisan support.”

Assemblyman Rumpf serves on the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Senator Amato voted YES on SCR-81 as a member of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Presently, 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.