LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer signed legislation on Thursday to help lower costs for disabled veterans and their families.
The effort was linked to an earlier appeals court ruling, stripping benefits from hundreds of military widows.
The ruling propelled the 13 Help Team into a months-long investigation, prompting a number of surviving spouses to come forward, including several who were at risk of losing their properties over surprise tax liabilities.
Senate Bills 176, 330 and 364 will amend the General Property Tax Act to make sure spouses of disabled veterans can keep their property tax exemptions even after their spouse passes away or they relocate.
The bills were given immediate effect by a majority vote, precluding the three-month waiting period prescribed by the state constitution to which acts not given immediate effect are subject.
"Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to keep our state and nation safe,” Whitmer said. “Losing a partner can rock a family’s financial stability, but we can ease the burden for spouses of disabled veterans by ensuring they can still qualify for property tax exemptions, keeping a roof over their heads and more money in their pockets.”
Bonnie Graham's exemption was denied following a recent relocation on the basis of the ruling after state officials translated the decision into tax guidance. Prior to and following her husband's passing, the couple had collected the benefit for approximately ten years.
"I almost didn't open the envelope, they mailed to me, because I thought it was just a confirmation of the waiver," Graham related. "The second shock was to know how much the bill was going to be, just for the summer, which was over $5-thousand. I don't have that kind of money at all."
Graham credited 13 OYS with keeping the conversation moving as the act navigated months of debate in the state legislature.
"I want to thank you for all of us," she said. "You have been in our corner, you have supported us… and we so appreciate you."
Governor Whitmer also signed House Bill 4602 to designate I-94 between Highway US-23 and Rawsonville Road in Washtenaw County as the "Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.”
“In everything we do, we must be grateful for our democracy, freedoms and fundamental rights. This memorial highway is another reminder of that, and the ultimate sacrifice that has again and again been made to protect them," said state Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti).
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