Res. No. 1621
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass A.8926/S.8727, legislation that would provide a partial property tax exemption for veterans of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
By the Public Advocate (Ms. Gotbaum) and Council Members Brewer, Comrie, Fidler, Gentile, James, Koppell, Liu, Mealy, Nelson, Weprin, and Gerson
Whereas, Currently, New York City law provides a partial exemption from property taxes for veterans of the major wars of the 20th century; and
Whereas, New York City was able to extend such benefits based on Section 458-A of the Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) enacted by the New York State Legislature in 1984; and
Whereas, However, these benefits are not extended to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
Whereas, In order to extend these benefits to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the New York State Legislature must amend current real property tax law; and
Whereas, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and State Senator Eric Schneiderman have introduced A. 8926/S. 8727, legislation which would provide the same real property tax exemption for veterans to persons who are in active duty and deployed to the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq; and
Whereas, The men and women who have served their country so valiantly in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve the same benefits as those who served before them; and
Whereas, New York City cannot enact such legislation until the State amends the RPTL to extend the current property tax exemption to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
Whereas, The legislatures of New York State and New York City should do all they can to give back to those men and women who sacrifice so greatly on behalf of all residents; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass A.8926/S. 8727, legislation that would provide a partial property tax exemption for veterans of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
JP
LS 5859
9/17/08