Senate enacts Sen. Bailey bill to help towns support veterans by easing property tax burden

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Maine Senate unanimously enacted a bill from Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco. The bill, LD 191, “An Act To Permit Municipalities To Provide Assistance to Veterans in Paying Property Taxes,” would allow municipalities to opt-in to a program that benefits veterans by keeping their property tax rate credits at a steady rate, unaffected by the change in a town or city’s valuation. 

“We want to give veterans the maximum tax credit, regardless of any changes in the market value of the municipality in which they reside,” said Sen. Bailey. “LD 191 grants us another opportunity to support veterans in our state and to encourage their home ownership. I’m grateful that my colleagues voted to enact this bill.”

In LD 191, each municipality that chooses to adopt this voluntary program would determine what the appropriate length of time of homeownership is before veterans can receive this benefit. The State’s share of taxes would not change. Veterans who are renters would receive a $100 annual benefit.

Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, a co-sponsor of this bill, said: “Over the past several years, we have heard from Mainers all over the state who have been struggling with high property taxes. This burden has made it more difficult for seniors and working-class Mainers to stay in their homes and live with some sense of comfort and peace of mind. That’s why easing the property tax burden has been a top priority for me and many of my colleagues. I’m proud of the progress we have made, but it’s clear that there is always more work to do. This bill gives an additional option for municipalities to provide property tax relief to veterans in Maine who have served our country.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign it into law, veto it or allow to it become law without her signature.

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