State Lawmaker Wants to Expand Tax Breaks to Veterans through a Constitutional Amendment

A Lawrence County state lawmaker wants a Constitutional Amendment to expand disabled Veterans’ real estate tax exemption to surviving spouses in the commonwealth.

State Representative Chris Sainato (D) announced the measure earlier this month. The bill seeks to expand the property tax exemption available to Pennsylvania’s disabled combat veterans to surviving spouses of service members who were killed in action or passed away after receiving a disability rating.

Sainato, Democratic chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1953 — which would amend the state constitution — because he believes Pennsylvania needs to do more to recognize the sacrifices made by military spouses.

“We often hear the proclamation that “Freedom Isn’t Free.” No one understands the truth of that statement more than our veterans and their families. When Americans enroll in military service, they are paying far more than their fair share toward the success of our free society. We owe them a debt that can never be repaid, but we can enact policies that give back to veterans and families who have done so much for us,” said Sainato.

Sainato said his bill would also expand eligibility for the exemption to veterans who served, regardless of where their sacrifice was made.

Click here to read the bill memoranda and attachments.