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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2009
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Orie Bills Would Expand Property Tax Relief to Disabled Veterans & Spouses of Soldiers Killed in Action

Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) is sponsoring a two-bill package that would provide property tax exemptions to families of service members killed in action and to more disabled veterans.

"These men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice and many are facing financial hardship as a result," said Sen. Orie.  "My package of bills would provide some measure of financial relief to those who were wounded or injured while serving our country and Commonwealth, as well as the families they have left behind."

Orie's first bill, Senate Bill 592, would extend the Veteran's Property Tax Exemption (100 percent property tax relief) to surviving spouses of services members, including National Guard, killed in action.

"Our National Guard has fought bravely throughout our country's history, and more recently Pennsylvania's guardsmen and women have been on the front line in the war of terror – with many casualties," said Orie.  "This change would not only honor their memory but assist their families in their time of greatest need."

Orie's second bill, Senate Bill 593, calls for a state constitutional amendment to expand the Property Tax Exemption Program for Disabled Veterans.

Currently, an honorably discharged veteran must be 100 percent disabled to receive a 100 percent exemption from property taxes.  Her proposal would provide tax exemptions to all disabled veterans at a percentage corresponding to their level of disability, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Under my proposal, veterans who are determined to be 100 percent disabled will continue to be completely exempted from paying property taxes, while those veteran considered 50 percent disabled would be exempt from paying half of their property taxes," Orie said.  "It is a small way to say thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so much."

Senate Bills 592 and 593 were referred to the Senate Finance Committee for action.  Both bills have strong support from statewide veterans' organizations. 

Contact: 

Nate Silcox (717) 787-6538