LANSING – State Rep. Henry Yanez (D-Sterling Heights) saw his House Bill 5278 pass unanimously in committee across party lines today. The bill extends the property tax credit for disabled veteran homeowners to disabled veterans who rent or lease their homes.

“We did the right thing when we passed Public Act 161 of 2013 exempting 100 percent disabled veterans from property tax liability, but we left out disabled veterans and their widows who rent or lease their home, and my bill fixes that oversight,” said Yanez. “It is very important to me to eliminate this double standard. I am glad that we are one step closer to giving them this tax exemption.”

Public Act 161 was signed into law in November 2013 after passing unanimously in both the state Senate and House of Representatives. HB 5278 would supplement PA 161, and exempt all 100 percent disabled veterans and, under certain circumstances, their widows, from property tax liability. HB 5278 sets a formula to determine how much property tax a renter or lessee pays and, therefore, how much of a credit they are entitled to.

“Our veterans and their families make a great sacrifice in order to serve and protect all of us. Our disabled veterans have made an even bigger sacrifice and they need to know that we are there for them when they need us, as they have been so honorably there for us when we needed them,” said Yanez. “My bill ensures our 100% disabled veterans are all treated equally regardless of domicile. I thank the members of the House Committee on Tax Policy for their support, and look forward to winning approval in the House and Senate so we can see this signed into law before the end of this year.”