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The council passed the bill sponsored by Council President Liam J. McLaughlin. The bill, which was McLaughlin's first local law since becoming council president, passed unanimously, 7-0, according to the city. The bill adds school taxes to the veterans property tax exemption offered by the city.
"I think I speak for many people when I say we are in awe of what our veterans did, putting their lives on the line for this country," McLaughlin said. "I'm very proud that my first local law as Council President is one that can help this City show that we love and respect our veterans, and provide needed tax relief to those who both need and deserve it the most."
McLaughlin signed the law, making Yonkers the first community in Westchester to provide this benefit to veterans.
"I hope other communities throughout the state will follow Yonkers lead in passing tax relief for veterans," McLaughlin said.
Current and former service members who are interested in applying for the tax exemption must file an application with the city assessor, according to the city.
"My father was a Marine who instilled in us the value that it is not enough to simply think of veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day," Mayor Mike Spano said. "Rather, we should thank and honor those brave men and women who selflessly served our country year round. This bill is a small token in that effort, and I thank Council President McLaughlin for sponsoring it."
"On behalf of the veterans of the City of Yonkers, I want to speak on their behalf in thanking both our Republicans and Democrats for taking such a courageous step," said Louis Navarro, director of the Yonkers Veterans Service Agency.
For more information on the veterans programs, call the Yonkers Department of Veterans Affairs at 914-377- 6700.
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