Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is disappointed by the Assembly Majority who just rejected a bill which would give veterans 85 years and older a modest $71 personal income tax exemption to help make living in New York more affordable (A.5033). This action from Majority members coming just after recently passing a $2.1 billion stimulus program for illegal immigrants which would provide direct payments as large as $15,600 (A.3009-C).

“Our senior veterans have paid enough in taxes and in their personal sacrifices in serving our country. It really isn’t too much to ask that we give them a small break in their taxes as a thank you. Assembly Majority, however, rejected this very positive bill, even though they recently approved a $2.1 billion stimulus program for illegal immigrants,” said Friend. “The priorities are not on law-abiding New Yorkers who served and contributed to our communities like our seniors and veterans.”

According to federal data in 2018, there are roughly 91,000 veterans in New York who are 85 years or older.

“When every little bit counts for those on fixed incomes, the veterans’ bill would have made a difference for the many brave individuals who served the country,” added Friend.”