Vermont towns hope to increase property tax breaks for disabled vets

From WCAX-TV:

A hot topic on the Town Meeting Day ballot in more than 40 towns was a boost in property tax benefits for disabled veterans.

Most disabled veterans already get a break on the first $10,000-$20,000 of their property value. The vote would increase that amount to the first $40,000 of their home value.

Many residents are vocal about helping those who served.

"I thought it was very important with all the troops, our troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan presently," said David Van Deusen of the Moretown select board. "I brought it up and it unanimously passed... that the people of Moretown support giving our disabled vets the most tax relief that we are allowed to."

"I think it's real important," said Terry O'Neill of Fairfax. "I think the veterans deserve a real good break. They've been through enough. They've given us so much. They're the ones that are on the line. So many things have affected their life, not only the fear-- the trauma, the anticipation, their families."

More than 60 towns without the increased tax benefit decided to leave the issue off their town meeting ballots until next year.