New York national guardsmen meet a state police recruiter at the Hiring Our Heroes job fair. (Credit: Getty)
City Council members announced a tax break for New York City veterans yesterday.
Right now, veterans who own homes lose property tax breaks when they move within the city, Council members said.
For benefits to begin July 1, people have to submit an application by March 15 of that year.
But if the resident moves or fills out the application after that deadline, they don’t get the exemption until the next year.
The new legislation will provide an exemption for veterans.
“I think we can all agree that we shouldn’t be punishing anyone simply because they move,” Council Speaker Christine Quinn said. “Providing our veterans with a little financial relief is the least we can do to thank the men and women who have done – and do – so much for our country.”
Added Councilman Vincent Ignizio, “Our veterans have served our country with honor and distinction and deserve our thanks — not unnecessary financial burdens.”
Last week, the Council also voted to require every city agency to designate one person to be in charge of how their agency might assist veterans.
Under the city legislation, each agency must assign one person to work with the Mayor’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs to provide information on their services for veterans.
This person will also assist the nearly 8,000 veterans and 1,000 reservists employed by the city, the Council ordered.
“We hope this legislation will help to alleviate any burdens veterans have faced in the past when navigating city government and allow them to seamlessly access the services they need and deserve,” Quinn said.
