TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Alex Sauickie on Friday announced the introduction of legislation that would provide meaningful property tax relief to honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities rated below 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Under current state law, veterans who are rated 100% disabled by the VA are eligible for a full property tax exemption. However, veterans with significant disabilities receive no comparable relief. Sauickie’s bill (A2939) would correct that inequity by providing an annual property tax deduction of up to $5,000 for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities rated less than 100%.
“This legislation is about fairness and keeping our promise to every disabled veteran who served our country,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “New Jersey has done a good job supporting those veterans deemed 100% disabled, but the reality is that thousands of veterans with significant service-connected disabilities receive no property tax relief at all. That needs to change.”
The bill provides an annual deduction equal to 100% of a qualifying veteran’s property tax bill, up to $5,000 per year. In cases where a veteran’s annual property tax bill is less than $5,000, the bill would cancel the full amount owed.
Sauickie emphasized that for many veterans, especially those struggling with serious disabilities that limit their ability to work, this relief could be life-changing.
“For some veterans, even with a disability rating below 100%, holding steady employment is simply not realistic,” Sauickie said. “At a time when affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing New Jersey families, providing up to $5,000 in property tax relief could mean the difference between staying in their homes or falling behind.”
Sauickie also pointed to Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s recent budget message, saying it underscored the urgency of delivering meaningful relief for residents facing high costs across the state.
Given what we just heard in the governor’s budget message, now more than ever we must prioritize direct, tangible relief,” Sauickie added. “Our disabled veterans deserve more than words of appreciation. They deserve action that helps them live with dignity.”
In addition to providing relief for veterans, the legislation requires the state treasurer to reimburse municipalities for 102% of the amount granted through the deduction, ensuring local taxpayers are not burdened by the policy change.
Sauickie reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all veterans receive recognition for their service.
“This is a fair and responsible way to ensure every disabled veteran receives some level of property tax relief,” Sauickie said. “Those who fought for our country should never be left behind.”
