Significant property tax exemptions for active military members, respecting the legal ballots of those who die on active duty, and a major job opportunity benefit to assist returning war-zone members approved
(Long Island, NY) The Senate today passed a package of legislation sponsored by Senator Thomas D. Croci (R-Sayville) to benefit veterans and military service members. Senator Croci is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Veterans, and Military Affairs.
“On the same day that the New York State Senate celebrates our Veteran’s Hall of Fame, it is a great privilege to be part of a day that also saw the passage of these important changes in our law to benefit those that serve our country,” said Senator Croci. “This package of bills will help provide property tax relief, protects the voting rights of military personnel who die while in service, and will allow returning Veterans the opportunity to participate in the civil service examination process, a process in which active service has been previously penalized by the lack of make-up test examinations due to active duty.”
The Croci legislation approved by the Senate includes:
- Senate bill 3134 amends the real property tax law to entitle active military members to file for the alternative veterans’ tax exemption while still in uniform. Current law only offers this benefit to veterans who have completed their service. Active duty personnel who are serving their country should be able to receive this benefit immediately.
- Senate bill 2939 revises military and election law to provide that the legally valid, completed absentee ballots of military personnel who die will be counted toward the election for which they were cast should the voter die before the date of the election. Under current law, if a military voter casts an absentee ballot, but dies before Election Day, the ballot cannot be counted.
- Senate bill 4852 will now allow active members of the military to participate in make-up exams of civil service tests should the test occur while the member is participating in active military duties. Currently, active-duty personnel who miss a civil service exam due to their service obligations have to wait until the next regularly scheduled exam, which could be months or even years later.
“With Memorial Day coming this Monday, it is especially fitting that we show our appreciation and honor the sacrifices of the men and women who have served and those who continue to serve our country in uniform,” Senator Croci said.
The package of bills now goes to the Assembly where it is hoped to be acted upon quickly.
All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov. Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Freeman Romero at (631) 513-5657or via email at jfreeman@nysenate.gov.
