Michigan veterans with disabilities will now be exempt from paying property taxes on their main residencies as a result of new legislation.
According to The Marquette Mining Journal, the Dannie Lee Barnes Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Act applies to veterans who are permanently and entirely disabled, unable to gain employment and currently receiving special housing assistance. Former legislation only exempted veterans who received housing assistance due to their disabilities.
The news outlet added that former servicemembers must have been honorably discharged in order to be eligible for the tax exemption.
"Michigan's military veterans, particularly those who are disabled, have sacrificed more for us than we can ever repay," Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement, as quoted by the news source. "They have served to protect our way of life and our freedom. This property tax break will be available to their families, will help them afford homes, and stay right here in Michigan."
The new legislation has been met with approval from many of the state's veterans, including Dave Eling, director of the Muskegon County Department of Veterans' Affairs. Eling told the Muskegon Chronicle that the law is a sign that Michigan is improving its veterans benefits.