Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2015
Senate Unanimously Passes Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez’s Bill to Extend Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Vets
House Action Anxiously Awaited
Santa Fe, NM – Senate Bill 248 (SB 248), which extends the current property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans to all impositions of special benefit assessments outside of the property tax code, unanimously passed the State Senate on Saturday. Bill sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D-29-Bernalillo & Valencia) said he was extremely satisfied with the outcome in the Senate and hopes House members, particularly those who represent disabled veterans in Valencia County, will give this bill the priority that it deserves.
According to the provisions of the bill, disabled vets would be exempt from paying assessments for conservation, irrigation, hospital, and flood control districts. The exemptions would continue to apply to the veteran’s surviving spouse if the couple was married at the time of the veteran’s death, the spouse has not remarried, and the spouse continually occupies the primary residence after the veteran has passed.
“This bill is important not only to disabled veterans and their families, but to all New Mexicans who value the sacrifices of veterans who have fought for our freedoms,” said Sen. Sanchez. “Through this bill we are recognizing the personal sacrifices our disabled veterans endured to serve our country. I hope others in the legislature will support this bill to benefit those who have bravely served our country.”
There are about 3,132 fully disabled vets in New Mexico. SB 248 has not yet been introduced in the House.
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