By Forum Staff
The State Senate recently gave the green light to a bill (S.6525) co-sponsored by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) that would provide disabled veterans with a preference in securing housing being offered under New York’s Affordable Home Ownership Development Program.
This proposal, coupled with another measure sponsored by Addabbo (S.2028) to offer real property tax exemptions to severely disabled veterans, would help to ensure greater affordable housing opportunities for former servicemen and women.
Addabbo noted that S.6525 would ensure that veterans with a service-related disability rating of 40 percent or higher will receive preferential consideration when housing projects are moving forward under the AHOD Program. This initiative provides grants to governmental, not-for-profit and charitable groups to build, acquire/rehabilitate or improve homes for low- and moderate income families. The legislation is now under consideration by the Assembly Housing Committee.
File Photo
“Our injured veterans and their families deserve no less,” Sen. Addabbo said.
Bill S.2028, chiefly sponsored by Addabbo, which has also passed the full Senate, would create a real property tax exemption program, at local option, for veterans with a 100 percent service-related disability rating as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These servicemen and women live with the most severe injuries, and are considered permanently and totally disabled as a result of their courageous military service. This legislation, which would apply to the primary residences of the eligible veterans, is now under review by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
“As the NYS Senate session continues, I am hopeful both these bills will get the full legislative consideration they deserve,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. “Our injured veterans and their families deserve no less.”
