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5/19/14

Van Drew, Andrzejczak Bills to Help Soldiers, Disabled Military Veterans Advances

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TRENTON – Two bills sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew to financially assist active duty soldiers and disabled military veterans were approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

The first bill (S-239) would exempt disabled veterans, or their caretakers, from having to pay fees for the construction or improvement of ramps solely designed to promote accessibility to their homes. Currently, municipalities have the option of exempting disabled veterans from payment of the fees by ordinance; the bill makes it a requirement.

“Soldiers returning from war with lost limbs, brain injuries and other conditions that limit their mobility have already paid an enormous price for our country. Asking them to pay a fee for the construction of something as basic as a ramp so they can gain access to their home is outright offensive,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “This kind of project should be tax and fee exempt – no questions asked.”

The second bill (SCR-64) proposes a constitutional amendment to extend the current $250 property tax deduction, which applies to veterans of the United States Armed Forces who are honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service, in time of war or other emergency, to also include members of the Armed Forces while they are on active service during time of war or other emergency.

“We know that military service can put an emotional strain on families, but it also can take a financial toll,” said Senator Van Drew. “Extending this tax benefit to deployed soldiers is a recognition of the importance of providing assistance to our servicemen both when they are serving in the field and after they return home.”

The bills cleared the committee by a vote of 5-0. They next head to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration