In the most recent session of the Erie County Legislature, Legislator Chris Greene sponsored and voted to pass a new local law that would increase property tax exemption limits for veterans in Erie County. The existing exemption limits were set in 1997 at $18,000, $12,000 and $60,000 and the new limits would reflect a 67% increase.
Legislator Greene said, “This new law was a common sense way to reduce the property tax burden on our veterans in Erie County. Not only have these exemption limit increases been long overdue but with a declining economy and rising cost of living, these tax breaks will represent a significant savings for our local veterans. When you look at the exemption amounts, the most significant one is for veterans who served overseas and became disabled in combat. Helping to keep these individuals in their houses, often when the home has been customized around their disability, is our supportive duty to the brave men and women who have fought for our country.”
The new exemption limits will take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State and will be set at $30,000, $20,000 and $100,000 respectively. This law was also co-sponsored by Legislators Mills, Lorigo and Todaro and passed unanimously. The law can be viewed here.