Washington Votes

2007 House Bill 1102 (Modifying property tax exemption provisions for veterans of the armed forces.)

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  • Introduced by Rep. Tom Campbell, (R-Roy) on January 10, 2007, to amend tax exemptions for military veterans. A veteran with a combined disposable income of $70,000 per year or less would be exempt from some regular property taxes and all excess property taxes.
    • Referred to the House Finance Committee on January 10, 2007.
      • Substitute offered to the House Finance Committee on February 14, 2007, to define "disability" with respect to veterans in the same manner that the term is used within the federal Veterans Disability Compensation Program.
      • The substitute passed in the House by voice vote on February 28, 2007.
    • Referred to the House Rules Committee on February 19, 2007.
  • Passed in the House (96 to 0) on February 28, 2007. [Vote Details and Comments]
  • Received in the Senate on March 2, 2007.
    • Referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on March 2, 2007.
      • Amendment offered to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on March 30, 2007, to replace SHB 1102 with the text from SB 5256. The striking amendment allows veterans disability benefits to be deducted from the calculation of disposable income.
    • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on April 2, 2007.
  • Received in the House on January 15, 2008.
  • Passed in the House (96 to 0) on January 16, 2008. [Vote Details and Comments]
  • Received in the Senate on January 17, 2008.
    • Referred to the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee on January 17, 2008.
    • Referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on February 28, 2008.

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Comments

Introduced by Rep. Tom Campbell, (R-Roy) on January 10, 2007. Passed in the House (96 to 0) on February 28, 2007. New Comment

1) Current Wyoming Resident [by Anonymous Citizen on March 13, 2008]
We are currently residents of Wyoming and I receive a property tax exemption just because I was a veteran. I not considered disabled. The state legislature just increased the tax rebate as it was originally limited to 7 years and now it is indefinite. It reduces my assessed valuation by $2000. Property is assessed at 25% of value.
We are going to move to Washington in the near future as my wife is ill and we need to be closer to family. I'll miss the tax deduction. No income tax in Wyoming either.
Could this be the difference between a Republican state and a Democratic state?
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2) In Favor of the BILL [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
The problem appears to be that there are so many of us (Deserving 100% Disabled Veterans), the state must feel that they can not afford the loss of revenue which would help disabled veterna's in there struggle to live in a dignified manner in this great country of our's. What's more important? Take care of the vetern's that have been supporting and fighting for this great country or figuing out what you want to do with the Seattle Center. (I know its been indicated that there will not be enough time for that requested review) My comrades and I are closely monitoring this bill and we will vote accordingly.
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3) Future Voting [by garybrown23 on March 10, 2008]
In regards to this bill. We will be watching to see which legislator's and officials vote and support this bill. And of course who to vote for.


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4) Gary [by garybrown23 on March 10, 2008]
I agee with you 100%. Several of my friends (Disabled Veterans) feel that the government is not as concerned about the impact our disabilities have on us. Giving us a property tax break would provide some addition money to the disabled to purchase assisted living equipment for their homes etc.. In other words the money is needed. Instead, there appears to be other bills that outweigh the plight of our US Veteran's who have risked life and limb for their country. So yes, there are so many of us disabled veteran's, it would take a big chunk of change. They may want to save that to fix up the Seattle Center.............


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5) CPO USN(RET) [by kombolw on March 6, 2008]
As a Disabled Veteran of both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars and under the age of 61, a age which I will probaly never reach, this bill just continues the Discrimination against young Disabled Veterans. I have had enough of these "feel good, do nothing bills," it's time we Veterans "Lock and Load" in November at the Post Office, vote those out who continue to discriminate against us and fight for what is right and just for all disabled Vets, but than again Washington is anything but a Military or Veteran friendly State. Washington 0, Alabama 1!!
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6) About Time [by Anonymous Citizen on March 4, 2008]
How could we say no? This is so over due. These men and women deserve every single salute, exemption, hug and bit of respect that we can give them. To anyone who says no, shame. Salute to all you vets. Thank you!
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7) Property tax relief for veterans [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
The reason this state in particular is reluctant to allow any tax relief specifically to disabled veterans is because it, and the entire United States Of America spends more money on illegal aliens than it does on those who have fought to keep our country free. I have been a 100% service connected permanent and totally disabled veteran of the Vietnam war since the late 1980's. This state CLAIMS to be veteran friendly but the facts speaks volumes otherwise. In-country combat photographer 66,67,68
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8) Property tax relief for veterans [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
The reason this state in particular is reluctant to allow any tax relief specifically to disabled veterans is because it, and the entire United States Of America spends more money on illegal aliens than it does on those who have fought to keep our country free. I have been a 100% service connected permanent and totally disabled veteran of the Vietnam war since the late 1980's. This state CLAIMS to be veteran friendly but the facts speaks volumes otherwise. In-country combat photographer 66,67,68
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9) Property tax relief for veterans [by Anonymous Citizen on February 8, 2008]
The reason this state in particular is reluctant to allow any tax relief specifically to disabled veterans is because it, and the entire United States Of America spends more money on illegal aliens than it does on those who have fought to keep our country free. I have been a 100% service connected permanent and totally disabled veteran of the Vietnam war since the late 1980's. This state CLAIMS to be veteran friendly but the facts speaks volumes otherwise. In-country combat photographer 66,67,68
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10) The State is ready [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2008]
I feel that the State of Washington should have no problem passing this bill. As we have sat by waiting, my County has re-assessed the value of my house (max limit) every year for the last 3 years. (I don't know if they are trying to catch up with the housing boom or are preparing for this bill to be passed). The fact is that while I've been waiting the assessed value of my house has gone up over $100,000. (Now the market is slumping and my house is assessed at more than it is worth).
Every year they sit on this bill the more money they get in the end. They say their out to help us but money rules at the end of the day. If they were truly sincere and patriotic they would back date the date of eligibility to when this was first introduced.
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11) Tax Relief for disabled war Veterans NOW! [by 'Doc' John Patrick on January 27, 2008]
I was very pleased to see this bill revived at the beginning of this legislative session after being shamefully allowed to die last year.

I feel that this bill, even with the current revisions, is a long overdue measure and its time has surely come. With inflated housing costs generating obscene and huge property tax increases and windfall revenues for our communities and state, many will be unable to meet those taxes because of the extra burden they impose. Many will lose their homes and that is unacceptable and unnecessary.

Disabled war veterans deserve the repect and the recognition of their sacrifices for this country. Relief from extraordinary taxes is a beginning. Perhaps at a later date, we may find courageous representation who may continue this trend and legislate some provision for those disabled veterans who are rated (by the Veterans Administration) at less than 100% disabled. Their wounds pain just as much; their blood runs just as red; THANK YOU LEGISLATORS who are trying to address our plight and our sacrifices for you and our country. I am just one of many proud combat Marine Corps veterans 100% disabled.
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12) Washington CAN afford this! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 25, 2007]
I have many retired Marine friends in several states. Many of them, being combat disabled veterans, are granted property tax relief, such as the state of Hawaii, because of their status as service connected disabled.
Every year I see this or similar bills proposed...only to see them allowed to DIE in committee.
Please let THIS be the year you finally DO what should have been done long, long ago. HELP our disabled veterans! PASS this meager bill!
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13) Substitute Bill needs rework [by DuaneV on February 23, 2007]
Substitute House Bill 1102 does nothing to help the person who is 61 or over with excessive medical and dental costs. Under provisions of the bill, there is no allowance whatsoever for medical costs other than medicare premiums. During the year 2006, my wife and I paid more than $17,000 out of pocket for HMO fees, Doctor co-pays, pharmaceuticals and dental bills.

On top of that, the income limits remain unchanged at $35k, 30k, and 25k, with no allowance for inflation.

While I applaud helping the totally disabled veteran, I need help too.

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14) HB-1102 [by Anonymous Citizen on February 21, 2007]
I feel the passing of this bill at this time would definetly a help to the disabled veterans to remain in their homes. I am a 75 year old 100% disabled veteran that is facing tax increases that eventually force me to sell my home.

This would force me to move into a less expensive house or move into my childrens homes, making them a sandwich family in that they have young children still at home. I swore I would not do this to them, although they said they wouldn't object.

I have lived in my present home for 32 years. I have told my children that I wish to remain in my home until I die.
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15) CPO USNRET) [by Anonymous Citizen on February 21, 2007]
This bill does nothing for 100% disabled Veterans under the age of 61, such as myself and other Post Vietnam Era Veterans who served with Honor and paid the Physical price. The VA regonizies us and our service connected disablities, but the State of Washington does not, this bill is just a "feel good" bill with no teeth or meaning, change the age to include all disabled vets or quite wasting my time and tax money.
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16) Veterans' Disbility Provisions of HB 1102 [by JR Sloan on February 20, 2007]
It's important to note that the only two changes in the Substitute Bill are:

(a) the amount of income identified under the rules for Vets who otherwise qualify, and

(b) the "total disability" definition which coincides with the definitions of one of the Federal branches. The (100%) "total" disability provision narrows the beneficiaries of this provision considerably, from the numbers of veterans who have military-connected disabilities rated up to 90% by the VA or the Branches of the Military.

It does NOT accept the fractional disability determinations of the agencies who actually make the determinations: the VA or the Military Service involved. Though a veteran may get some (medical) benefits from the VA at 30% disability, this bill will not benefit that veteran--nor one with disabilities at 50%, 70% or 90%.

This legislation will recognize only the small numbers of vets with the most suffering: the blind, paraplegics, the multi-amputee and those with similarly tragic consequences. This is the right thing to do.

Whether there is an appropriate way to recognize the service and sacrifice of the rest of our veterans remains to be seen. This bill does not achieve this.
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17) Please pass HR-1202 THIS YEAR! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2007]
As a disabled combat veteran, I await a tax relief bill every year with anticipation that it will pass. Each year I have been disappointed. PLEASE get HR-1102 out of committee and PASSED this year!
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18) Undecided on Property Tax Exemption [by Anonymous Citizen on January 20, 2007]
I’m not convinced that this bill is a good idea and I remain undecided about the issue. Doesn’t this just encourage others (e.g., teachers, fire fighters, police, nurses) to vie for bills that offer tax exemptions based on their worthwhile contributions to our community? If veterans need help, why not just let the property taxes stand, but increase compensation during and after their service to America?

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19) Retired Military [by Anonymous Citizen on January 30, 2007]
As a Retired Military I chose where to retire. With greater than 20 years experience and multiple talents any community that we chose to retire in will beneifit, from are teaching, planning, and volunteer contributions. If anyone thinks that we where over payed in the Military consider this. Some of us moved every 2- 3 years, where having to pay for 2 houses, and spent 65% of our time away from our family.
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20) veterans tax exemption [by Anonymous Citizen on January 12, 2007]
I feel that this bill is overdue. Our veterans who have given so much for our country deserve some relief from the excessive tax that is placed upon Washington citzens
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21) Alaska's Veteran Relief [by Anonymous Citizen on February 3, 2007]
I agree with some of the age restrictions for tax relief bills, but what about the disabled Vet's that are less than 61. No relief... View Alaska's law concerning Veteran's benifits and tax relief. Veteran's Property Tax, I Quote "Real property owned and occupied as the primary residence and permanent place of abode by a qualified disabled veteran whose disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and whose disability has been rated as 50 percent or more by the military service or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is exempt from taxation on the first $150,000.00 of assessed valuation"
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22) Help a Vet [by SIDNY on January 12, 2007]
Never has a bill done so little, for so few, if any. Vet must be over 61. have TOTAL disability, ect. ect.
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23) Not enough [by Anonymous Citizen on July 3, 2007]
Rather than reinvent something, why can't the legislators research programs already in use. Take a look at Florida's program. My husband is 100% w/service connected disability. He is 57, and not likely to see 61 because of this disability. The age limit is not realistic, just visit a VA hospital and look at the age of the Vets. We owe them more than this.
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24) Veteran tax exemtion [by Anonymous Citizen on January 23, 2008]
Compared to other states, Wa state does little enough for people that have risked their lives for their country. WE need to do more. AS for this bill, this is the LEAST we can do.
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25) In favor of the bill [by DuaneV on January 18, 2007]
The bill simply extends tax relief to those who have served our country in uniform at a higher level than those who have not.

The existing provisions for elderly exemptions are preserved under the change to existing legislation.

There is a pocket of older citizens, now retired on reduced income (myself included) that have to pay for their own very costly medical insurance and co-pays and prescriptions because we are not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare. Those in that category need tax relief above and beyond the current $35k limitation.
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