February 11, 2020
AUGUSTA – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, to reduce property taxes for disabled veterans received unanimous support today from the Legislature’s Taxation Committee following a work session. The bill, LD 1042, An Act To Exempt Disabled Veterans from Property Taxes in Accordance with Their Disability Ratings, received a public hearing last spring; however, it was carried over by the Committee for further consideration.
“Our veterans have offered an enormous service to our nation,” said Roberts. Maines disabled veterans have offered an extreme sacrifice that they will live with for their entire lives. This exemption will allow Mainers to thank them for their commitment to our country.
Maine has an extremely high percentage of veterans. Eleven percent of Maine adults have served in the armed forces – nearly double the national average of 6.6%. Of these veterans, roughly 20% have a service-connected disability rating.
During the work session, the committee amended the legislations original structure to lock in set exemptions based on a veterans disability rating. Under the revised legislation, a veteran with a 30% to 100% disability rating could receive an annual property tax exemption ranging from $1,500 to $6,000.
I am extremely proud of the work of the committee on this legislation, said Roberts. This amendment was a fair adjustment, and I am hopeful that this exemption will receive approval from the Legislature and begin making an impact on the lives of our veterans.
The bill will now proceed to the full Legislature for consideration.
Roberts is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents parts of the communities of North and South Berwick.
Contact:
Katie Walsh [Roberts], 287-1436, c .776-2122
