SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In honor of Memorial Day, legislation supported by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, to reduce the tax burden on wounded veterans passed the House on Monday.
"Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to keep our country free," Smiddy said. "We honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by supporting the veterans who have returned with injuries that will never fully heal."
Smiddy voted in favor of Senate Bill 107 which provides property tax relief to veterans with service related disabilities of 30% or more. Additionally, the measure eliminates accessibility improvements to a residence from increasing the assessed property value for taxation. Service members with service related disabilities receive reductions in their property taxes based on the degree of disability they suffer from, as certified by the United States Department of Veteran`s Affairs.
"We owe it to every veteran who has been wounded to ensure they are not threatened with losing their homes when they return to us," Smiddy said. "This measure will ease the financial strain that can accompany a major injury, and honors the veterans who have been injured keeping us safe."
Senate Bill 107 passed the House unanimously and now awaits final approval in the Senate.
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