08/06/2009



Almost one million Cold War veterans will now be eligible to receive real property tax exemptions, thanks to a new bill sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and signed into law by Gov. David Paterson Tuesday.

The legislation will make it possible for municipalities to offer increased property tax exemptions to Cold War vets, who are defined as those servicemen and servicewomen who served in active duty in the United States armed forces between Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 26, 1991. The time period encompasses World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and Persian Gulf Conflict.

is an honor to demonstrate and recognize the respect that is owed to our veterans and to acknowledge their courageous acts and accomplishments,” Addabbo said.
Benefits of the bill include facilitating the procedure by excluding the requirement of a municipality to submit a “home rule” bill, which was previously needed in determining a real property tax exemption. Towns and cities can now legally offer higher property tax exemptions to Cold War veterans and, additionally, cooperative and tenant-stock holders who reside in co-ops can apply for property tax exemptions on their dwellings.

For more information on the new exemptions for Cold War veterans, call Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111.
— Lisa Fogarty