February 14, 2011
TOWNS SHOULD BE ABLE TO WAIVE INTEREST OWED ON PROPERTY TAXES BY MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY
Hartford - Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven / Hamden) submitted testimony this week in support of a bill that would give municipalities the option to waive interest owed on property taxes by members of the armed services who are on active duty.
The issue was first brought to Senator Looney’s attention by a constituent who, while he was serving, missed his property tax bill. The constituent paid the bill but told Senator Looney that he thought the system was unfair. Senator Looney agreed and offered testimony to the Select Committee on Veteran’s Affairs.
“This bill does not mandate that towns must forgive interest owed by members of the armed forces on property taxes; it gives towns discretion to waive this interest if the situation warrants,” wrote Senator Looney. “Active duty members of the armed forces are often away from their mail for significant periods. They should not be penalized for their service to our country. I believe this is a matter of fairness and a small recognition for the members of the military who are sacrificing so much.”
Senate Bill 377 is co-sponsored by State Rep. Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven). “Military families carry a heavy burden,” Rep. Dillon said. “This measure will go a long way toward providing them with some financial relief.”