Hunterdon County Commissioner Deputy Director Soloway seeks colleagues support for increasing the NJ Veterans Property Tax Deduction

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Hunterdon County Commissioner Board Deputy Director Susan Soloway, at the Aug. 6 board meeting, will seek approval by the Board of a Resolution in support of state legislation (SCR-81/ACR-58) aimed at increasing the New Jersey Veterans Property Tax Deduction to $2500.

Soloway, the Board’s Veterans liaison, said, “The Veterans property tax deduction, currently set at $250, has not been increased in over twenty years, while property taxes continue to increase. Veterans, in my opinion, deserve this recognition that has been earned through their sacrifice and dedicated service to the Nation.”

“The amount of the deduction can only be changed by a Constitutional amendment approved by the voters of the state. The legislation to put that referendum on the ballot, SCR-81/ACR 58, has bi-partisan sponsorship in the New Jersey Legislature,” Soloway said.

“Under the State Constitution both houses of the state legislature must approve the bills either by super majority votes or in consecutive years, so time is of the essence for the legislation to be voted on by the legislature in 2024 and again in 2025, in order for the referendum to be on the 2025 ballot,” Soloway said.

“According to the legislation, Veterans who are honorably discharged from active service in a branch of the United States Armed Forces qualify for the deduction. A qualified veteran’s surviving spouse would receive the deduction after the qualified veteran dies. The legislation calls for the proposed increase in the property tax deduction to be phased in over a four year period and the state would provide municipalities with funding to offset the tax revenue reduction,” said Soloway, a former Mayor of Franklin.

“Our military Veterans can never be thanked enough for their service and sacrifice given in the defense of our Nation and the protection of our liberties. Getting this measure on the ballot for a public referendum is the first step. I am sure the ballot question will ultimately be approved by the voters, as the last increase was in 1999,” Soloway said.

Residents can voice their support of the legislation by clicking here as well as to receive updates on the bills’ progress.