AUGUSTA—Legislation from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, that would provide property tax relief to Maine veterans, received initial approval in the Legislature’s Taxation Committee on Tuesday. LD 1194, “An Act To Increase Property Tax Relief for Veterans” will now go before the full Legislature for votes.

“Maine veterans have served our country and state with integrity and honor. All we want to do is ease their transition back home, into the workforce and into Maine life,” said President Jackson. “Providing property tax relief is one critical way we can alleviate financial stress and thank our servicemen and women for their sacrifice.”

The bill would increase the veteran’s property tax exemption program to $10,000. Current law allows for a $6,000 property tax exemption for those who served in federally recognized war periods. This bill extends the exemption and covers more veterans.

The bill was amended to extend this exemption to World War I widows, D-1 paraplegic veterans and veterans who served during the Korean War. The bill would also reimburse municipalities at 100 percent.

Maine has a high number of veterans per capita compared to the rest of the country. According to a recent report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, Maine is one of six states where veterans account for ten percent of our population.

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