Barnegat Urges State To Increase Veteran Property Tax Deductions

BARNEGAT, NJ — The Barnegat Township Committee passed a resolution last week calling on the New Jersey Legislature to raise veteran property tax deductions from $250 to $500.

“It’s well-warranted and long overdue,” said Committeeman Joe Marte. “It’s my sincere hope that this resolution will pass as a tribute to everyone who wore the uniform in defense of our nation, and took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Committeewoman Linda Kropf also spoke in support of the resolution.

"I am thrilled that the committee is supporting this resolution," Kropf said. "As Joe said, it's well-deserved and a long time coming."

Mayor Albert Bille said the committee plans to circulate the resolution around the local area in hopes that other municipalities will send similar resolutions to Gov. Phil Murphy.

“That’s how it’s done. Someone has to lead the way and more towns jump on it,” Bille said.

Read the committee's full resolution below:

WHEREAS, the residents of Barnegat Township and Citizens of the United States owe everything we have in this great country to our veterans; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey residents suffer from the highest property taxes in the Country; and

WHEREAS, countless veterans call Barnegat Township home; and

WHEREAS, we owe everything to our veterans and their spouses for everything that they have sacrificed to put our Country first and maintain our freedom; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Barnegat (the "Township") implores the New Jersey Legislature to amend the veteran and surviving spouse tax deduction; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee urges the Legislature to increase the property tax deduction for veterans and surviving spouses to $500.00; and

WHEREAS, the amount of the property tax deduction in no way does justice to the great sacrifice our veterans and their spouses make for our Country, and we are forever grateful.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 7th day of September, 2021 by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Barnegat, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey as follows:

1.The Township Committee hereby urges the Governor of New Jersey and the New Jersey Legislature to increase the property tax deduction for veterans and surviving spouses to $500.00 to provide much needed property tax relief to oui veterans and their surviving spouses.

2. The Township Committee thanks our veterans and their surviving spouses for all they have done for our Country for which we are forever indebted to them.

3. A certified copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded by the Township Clerk to the following: (a) Albert Bille, Mayor; (b) Martin J. Lisella, Administrator; (c) The honorable Philip Murphy, Governor; (d) The Honorable Steve Sweeney, Senate President; (e) The Honorable Craig Coughlin, Speaker of the General Assembly.

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