Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I-Lyons) is disappointed in the Assembly Majority’s decision to block a bill (A.5003) in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee which would have given veterans age 85 and older an exemption on their personal income taxes. Manktelow is especially disheartened by this decision considering the Assembly Majority approved a $2.1 billion stimulus program for illegal immigrants, also known as excluded workers, in the recently passed state budget (A.3009-C).

“Given that the Assembly Majority is so keen to help those struggling right now, it is greatly disappointing they blocked a bill which would have provided roughly 91,000 veterans an estimated $71 tax break,” said Manktelow. “These brave veterans served their countries during the Korean War, Vietnam War and World War II it seems like the least we could do is give them a bit of a break on their taxes during their golden years. This is such a small amount compared to the $2.1 billion they granted illegal immigrants which makes it even more shameful. While they may have blocked this legislation, I plan to stand with some of my colleagues with the Assembly Minority in fighting to bring this bill to the floor so we can provide relief for our elderly veterans.”

It is estimated there are around 91,000 veterans in New York who are 85 years old or older. This proposed personal income tax exemption would provide an estimated $71, or more depending on income, tax break to these senior veterans.