State Sen. Katie Muth Co-Sponsors Legislation On Property Tax And Rent Relief For Veterans

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — A local lawmaker is sponsoring legislation designed to assist Pennsylvania veterans with property tax and rent relief assistance.

State Sen. Katie Muth, a Democrat whose 44th Senatorial District includes Lower Providence Township along with Chester County communities, announced late last week that she teamed up with State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, to introduce The Recent Veteran Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, which would provide relief to state veterans who have ended active service and re-entered civilian life within the past three years.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Rep. Hill-Evans on this important proposal to provide property tax and rent relief to our recent veteran population - regardless of age," Muth said in a statement. "Veteran homelessness and veterans living in poverty are real, pressing issues in our Commonwealth and this program would help ease some of their financial burden as they transition back into civilian life. We can and we must do more to support the brave men and women that serve and protect our country."

The proposal, which is modeled after the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program currently available to Pennsylvania senior citizens, would provide standard rebates of up to $650 on real estate taxes for homeowners and on rent paid for recent veterans who have a household income of less than $35,000, according to Muth's office.

Those Pennsylvania veterans who left military service or were honorably discharged within the past three years would be eligible for participation in the program.

Muth and Hill-Evans introduced companion legislation in their respective chambers.

Hill-Evans said that the bill is designed to give back to veterans who have "given so much for our freedom.

"This bill will provide a rebate, increased housing stability, and peace of mind for recently separated Veterans," Hill-Evans said in a statement.

There are currently various governmental programs in place to assist Pennsylvania veterans. More can be learned by visiting the Pennsylvania Office for Veterans Affairs.