Some Michigan veterans who have been classified as 100 percent disabled because of an injury could have their property taxes eliminated under a measure proposed in the State Senate (SB104).
State Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, says the vets would be restricted to 200 percent of the poverty rate to qualify.
"Theoretically, the very highest compensation someone might be receiving could be in the $40,000 to $45,000 range," Anderson says. "But they're going to have additional expenses if they're 100 percent disabled."
Anderson says it would not be a state mandate.
"It does not require the locals to do this," Anderson says. "But it gives them a tool to help our veterans. From what I'm hearing, many of the locals are anxious to do this for our veterans. And it could be the difference between them living in their own home or being homeless."
It's estimated about 8,000 Michigan veterans could qualify for the property tax elimination.
Anderson says he's been trying to get the legislation passed since 2007.
"I think sometimes the process is a lot slower than we'd like, but sometimes partisan politics gets in the way. This one is clearly something that everyone needed to get done."
A Senate committee this week approved the bill unanimously
