Bergen pushes for proportional property tax exemption for disabled veterans

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Brian Bergen testified before the state Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on Monday in support of his legislation giving service-disabled veterans a property tax discount that matches their military disability rating.

WATCH: Bergen pushes for proportional property tax exemption for disabled veterans“This is a big bill that’s going to significantly change the lives of veterans across the state of New Jersey. This will legitimately forever change the lives of at least 40,000 veterans,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “This is the biggest piece of veterans legislation that any of us will see in our lifetime. It focuses the money and attention on those people who deserve it the most. Those people who not only raised their hand in service to this country, but those people who have forever a disability as a result of that.”

Currently in New Jersey, only veterans who are 100% disabled can qualify for a property tax exemption. Bergen’s bill (A5429) would extend this tax break to other wartime-disabled veterans in proportion to their disability. For example, if a veteran is 70% disabled, they would only be responsible to pay 30% of their property tax bill.

The Senate panel passed the legislation unanimously. It is awaiting a hearing in the Assembly and further consideration by the Senate president.