HCS HJR 64 -- PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED PRISONERS OF
WAR

SPONSOR:  Sutherland (Chappelle-Nadal)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Ways and
Means by a vote of 8 to 0.

Upon voter approval, this proposed constitutional amendment
exempts all real property used as a homestead by a former
prisoner of war who has a total service-connected disability from
property taxation.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2009,
FY 2010, and FY 2011.  Estimated Cost on Other State Funds of $0
in FY 2009, $0 or Less than $3,625 in FY 2010, and $0 or Less
than $3,625 in FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say there are veterans who cannot afford
to pay their property tax.  There are 300 POWs from WWII, five
from the Vietnam era, and a few from the Korean War who are
living in Missouri and would qualify for this exemption.  This is
a small amount to honor our POWs.  Seven states have a similar
exemption.  The bill only applies to the home of a qualifying
POW.  Because of the advancing age of these POWs, passing the
bill this year is important so that these individuals can receive
the benefit.  Tax exemption for real property taxation would be a
great financial relief for those who carried the burden of free
people the world over along with the mental and physical
disabilities of their sacrifices from their war experiences.
This will help with their increasing medical costs, energy bills,
food and housing costs, and other bills.  Some key living
expenses have outpaced their income.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Chappelle-Nadal; John
Clark; Allen Sebol; Gene Wopata; and Paul Dillon.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm