Cheshire Delegation Urges Tax Relief for the Elderly, Disabled and Veterans

Hartford, CT – State Representative Al Adinolfi (R-Cheshire) and State Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) have proposed several bills to offer tax relief to Connecticut residents.

The first proposal is SB 175; AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME. This bill would amend the current law to say Social Security income for the elderly and disabled would be exempt from the state’s personal income tax.

Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington), Representative Al Adinolfi (R-Cheshrire)

“Our most vulnerable citizens need tax relief,” said Sen. Markley. “Many of our elderly and disabled are living on fixed incomes and relieving them of this burden would go a long way in helping them afford their daily lives.”

The second proposal is HB 5134: AN ACT EXPANDING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS. This bill would amend the law to allow all veterans, regardless of whether they served during a time of war, to participate in the property tax exemption programs.

“It is grossly unfair that this exemption program only applies to veterans who have served during a wartime era. All of our military, who pledge their lives to protect our freedoms, deserve the same treatment and benefits, regardless of whether or not they served during a war,” said Rep. Adinolfi.

Lastly, the legislators are proposing HB 5753: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS WHO SERVED IN TIME OF WAR OR ARE DISABLED. Presently Wartime era Veterans receive a one thousand dollar exemption on their assessed property tax value (this value increases up to $3,000 depending on disability rating).

“At the time this benefit was implemented, a home was worth approximately $10,000 and the $1,000 exemption was worth approximately ten percent of the home value. This rate has not been adjusted in sixty-five years; a thousand dollars towards property tax is hardly any help. At today’s home values this benefit is worth $30 per year. This is very unfair towards our veterans,” said Rep. Adinolfi.

This legislation will make an adjustment on a benefit that has unfairly decreased every year for the past 65 years,” added Sen. Markley.

These proposals were heard before The Veterans Affairs Committee on Tuesday February 19 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.