Albany, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato succeeded in passing her long-sought-after Veterans property tax bill to establish a real property tax exemption for Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. The Assemblywoman, who is the daughter and granddaughter of Veterans, has worked on this bill for several years - it is considered the top legislative priority of nearly every Veterans organization throughout the State. Since 2017 Pheffer Amato has served as a senior member of the NYS Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee and has notably been one of the most vocal supporters of Veterans throughout New York.

The bill, A.74, will allow for a locality, which includes a county, city, town, village, or school district, to enact a 100% property tax exemption for several Veterans, including but not limited to those who:

• has a qualifying condition and was honorably discharged
• is considered to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service
• is rated 100% disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• has been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable
• is eligible or has received assistance from the government

“Our brave men and women who served and defended our country deserve our gratitude. Our Veterans stood up and were willing to fight for our freedoms. It is through this bill that New York State makes it clear that we recognize their incredible sacrifice and dedication,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. She noted that “I am grateful to Speaker Heastie for his shared commitment to Veterans. Now, Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability will have their financial strain lowered, as I hope this will increase the quality of life for Veterans and their families. I look forward to seeing it signed into law and bringing needed relief to our heroes.”

The bill passed unanimously and is now pending the signature of the Governor. The bill is carried in the State Senate by Senator Addabbo of Queens.