House Approves Help For Disabled Veterans

Rep. Jim Stoicheff pleaded for disabled veterans on Monday and won House approval of a bill that would allow more of them to qualify for a property tax credit.

The House voted 64-2 and sent to the Senate Stoicheff’s bill allowing veterans with at least a 40 percent service-related disability to exclude that income from consideration for a property tax credit. Only people with income under $18,700 per year qualify for the credit now.

Stoicheff said allowing disabled vets to exclude disability income from the calculation would enable 3,000 more vets to qualify.

Rep. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot, opposed the bill, contending it would open the door for others to claim a similar income exemption.

“All these disabilities are service connected,” said Rep. Ruby Stone, R-Boise. “I don’t think this is a lot to give for those veterans who put their lives on the line for you and me and this country.”