Disabled veterans deserve a property tax break, Rep. Jim Stoicheff, D-Sandpoint, told the House Revenue and Taxation Committee Wednesday.

But several lawmakers argued that veterans receive too many “freebies.”

The committee passed Stoicheff’s measure that would exempt disabled veteran’s benefit money from counting as taxable income.

Idaho gives property tax breaks to poor and disabled people who meet “circuit breaker” qualifications. To prevent counties from losing property tax money, the state reimburses the cost. Currently widowers, blind, disabled and people over age 65 qualify for the exemption along with parentless children.

Stoicheff’s bill would amend this circuit breaker law to include disabled veterans. The average low-income, disabled veteran would receive $415 in property tax relief. A move that carries a $800,000 price tag.

The bill applies to disabled veterans who are homeowners and have an annual income of $18,920 or less.

“These are veterans that are not rich and who have sacrificed for their country,” the House minority leader said. “This is a little break on their property tax.

But Rep. Frank Bruneel, R-Lewiston, questioned giving disabled veterans preferential treatment. The measure would set a bad precedent and cause other interest groups to lobby for similar exemptions, he said.

Rep. Bill Taylor, a disabled Korean War veteran, agreed.

The Nampa Republican said only veterans with severe disabilities should benefit.

The tax break would apply to veterans who have more than a 10 percent degree of disability. A 10 percent disability includes missing four toes, not including the big toe. A person missing two limbs is considered to have a 100 percent disability.

“I just don’t think it’s deserving,” said Taylor, who has a 30 percent disability.

But Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, said serving America is reason enough.

“The difference is one of serving the country and saying you would die for your country,” the Army veteran said.

Income guidelines and homeowner requirements overcome the merit arguments, Rep. Mark Stubbs, R-Twin Falls, said.

Rep. Hilde Kellogg, R-Post Falls, made a failed attempt to kill the bill, saying there’s “no wiggle room” in the state’s pocket book for the $800,000 program.

, DataTimes