| VOTE YES ON VIRGINIA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO HELP VETERANS WITH 100% SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY, URGES VCOC |
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APPROVED VIRGINIA-WIDE, 2 NOV 2010
The change to the Virginia constitution as approved overwhelmingly on 2 November 2010 that allows the General Assembly to enact legislation authorizing real estate tax relief for those veterans who are 100% disabled is a wonderful tribute to those veterans who have sacrificed so much. This legislative victory is a result of powerful advocacy on the part of all 23 Veterans Service Organizations of the Joint Leadership Council. The Virginia Council of Chapters of MOAA has led the way among the veterans service organizations on this issue. Congratulations to the VCOC Legislative Committee and all chapters for their good work. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Virginia General Assembly and to the people of Virginia. This is another step on our road to making Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in America.
/ Sam Wilder, COL, USA, Ret, VCOC MOAA President, 3 Nov 2010
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GOVERNOR SIGNED THE BILL ON APRIL 6, 2011, EFFECTIVE FOR TAX YEAR BEGINNING 1 JAN 2011
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The Virginia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) urges a yes vote Nov 2 for a constitutional amendment which will give real estate tax relief to 100% service-connected disabled veterans or their surviving spouses in Virginia, effective 1 Jan 2011. The change to Virginia’s constitution is required to create a special class of exemption. Note the exemption is for owner-occupied property that is the primary dwelling of the veteran, and only for veterans with 100% service-connected, permanent, and total disability. Surviving spouses of exempted veterans may claim the exemption as long as they do not remarry and continue to occupy the home as a principal residence. If passed, the exemption will take effect Jan 1, 2011.
MOAA's eighteen Virginia chapters have long advocated for this measure, along with the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC), an active member of the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services Organizations (JLC). To get this important measure on the ballot for Virginia voters required the measure to pass the General Assembly by two separate votes, two separate General Assemblies. It passed unanimously in both the 2009 and 2010 sessions, noted Colonel Don Kaiserman, USA, Ret, VCOC Legislative Chair, and Vice Chair of the JLC. “The amendment has long been a key legislative issue of the JLC, which consists of 23 Veterans Services Organizations in the Commonwealth. This amendment serves to help those Virginia veterans who sacrificed so much with their service and those who need it the most."
The Department of Veterans Services (DVS) indicates there are about 7,400 Virginia-veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. Some Virginia localities already give real estate tax exemption to disabled veterans and/or the elderly. This amendment creates a specific state-wide exemption.
For more info, contact VCOC MOAA or local chapter Legislative Chair or you may go to the JLC portion of Virginia DVS Website http://www.dvs.virginia.gov/board-jlc.shtml
/VCOC MOAA Public Affairs Officer, M. Mallison, 20 Sep 2010
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SPREAD
THE WORD
IN VIRGINIA
#2 PROPOSED AMENDMENT
There are 3 proposed state constitional amendments on the ballot. The 100% Disabled Veterans initiative is the 2nd.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from DVS website |
FLYER - Vote Yes, from DVS website. |
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| VCOC MOAA Legislative Chair, Don Kaiserman and Vice Chairs Stu Williams & John Clickener |
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Virginia MOAA chapters join other Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs) of the JLC in publicizing this important amendment to the constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A News Release template for Virginia Chapters to use in their local area is posted in the Public Affairs section of this VCOC website.
Some chapters enlarged the DVS flyer to make posters for indoor and outdoor use, following the example of MOAA's George C. Marshall chapter (GCMC). See info on their Labor Day legislative activity in the chapter section of this VCOC website.
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Photo at 16 Sep 2010 Legislative Committee shows from Left:
Col Don Kaiserman, USA, Ret, Chair of Legislative Committee;
Col Stu Williams, USA, Ret, Vice Chair for National Legislation;
LTC John Clickener, USMC, Ret, Vice Chair for State Legislation.
photo courtesy of VCOC MOAA Public Affairs
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PHOTOS AT RIGHT include VCOC Legislative Committee Meeting of 16 Sep 2010. Legislative Leaders discussed getting out the vote for this important initiative, as well as handled other business concerning state and national legislation. Photos are posted as thumbnails. Click on photo to see larger version. More photos may be added. Contact VCOC PAO if you need photos in another format.
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BOARD OF ELECTIONS News Release - THREE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON BALLOT |
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