Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess) announced the passage of legislation she authored that will ensure veterans of recent conflicts receive the property tax exemption they deserve. The bill specifically directs the Division of Veterans' Affairs to remind assessors that veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are eligible for the veterans alternative real property tax exemption (A.2368-A).

“As our veterans return home to raise their families and transition back to civilian life, this bill ensures Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are included for tax exemption purposes along with veterans of other conflicts,” Assemblymember Barrett said.

In multiple instances assessors have rejected applications of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans because the assessors did not realize these servicemen and women are eligible for the alternative veterans' real property tax exemption. This legislation will require the Division of Veterans' Affairs along with the Department of Taxation and Finance to annually reinforce and/or remind assessors that the Persian Gulf conflict, referenced in the real property tax law, includes hostilities in Afghanistan and Iraq, also known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Inherent Resolve.

As a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Assemblymember Barrett also announced the passage of legislation that ensures veterans receive assistance to overcome sexual trauma that occurred during their military service (A.7260). This legislation would require the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs to develop and encourage plans for assistance and benefits for veterans who suffered military sexual trauma. The bill would also require veterans’ service agencies to provide information on military sexual trauma.

In addition, the Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day in the state of New York (K.664) as well as a resolution urging the New York State Congressional delegation to support the passage of the Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015 (K.562). Barrett also met and spoke with a group of women veterans who traveled to Albany for Women Veterans Recognition Day.

“We owe our veterans – men and women – enormous gratitude. It’s our responsibility to ensure they are supported in every way as they return to our communities,” Assemblymember Barrett added.