NY Am Legion Urges School Tax Break for Vets

Ken Governor

ALBANY -- The New York State American Legion Family of more than 200,000 members is urging local municipalities and other governing bodies of school districts to approve a partial school tax exemption for veterans. Legislation signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in December allows municipalities to adopt a local school tax abatement law "to show their appreciation for the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans," noted state American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor.

State property tax laws have allowed a partial tax exemption for veterans, but school districts were not included. "Now," Commander Governor said, "we urge localities to do the right thing -- to extend this benefit to school taxes and send a message that, as New Yorkers, we recognize the sacrifices that veterans and their loved ones have made."

Many of the newer veterans have served multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, Governor noted, and many are members of the reserve and Guard, putting careers and family life on hold for each deployment.

"As Assemblyman Michael Cusick and Senator David Carlucci pointed out in sponsoring the legislation, we can never fully repay those who have risked their lives for our country, but we can offer some assistance to make their lives, and the lives of their families, a little better."