For Immediate
Release: May 25, 2004
Senator Sam Helton
Senator Sponsors Landmark Veterans Legislation
State Senator Sam
Helton stated today that legislation to further enhance
veterans’ benefits has received approval from the
Senate General Conference Committee on Apppropriations (GCCA)
today. House Joint Resolution 1044 would provide disabled
veterans with property tax relief on their homes.
Under provisions of HJR 1044, those who served in the military
and have received a 100 percent service connected disability
would be entitled to claim an exemption for the fair cash
value of their homestead in the amount of $10,500. Once
the measure clears all of the necessary legislative hurdles,
it will then go to Oklahoma voters for final approval.
“I am very pleased this important resolution has received
endorsement of the GCCA,” stated the Democrat Senator
from Lawton. “Oklahoma’s disabled veterans diligently
served their country and sustained injuries from this service.
It only seems proper to provide them with some much needed
tax relief. I look forward to the passage of HJR 1044 in
the legislature and it going to a vote of the people.”
Senator Helton is the former chair of the Veterans, Military
Affairs and Public Safety Committee and has been a lifelong
supporter of increasing veterans’ benefits. The House
author who is also the chairman of the House committee on
Veterans and Military Affairs, Representative Ray McCarter,
has also worked with Senator Helton to ensure that veterans
receive the benefits they deserve.
President Pro Tempore of the Senate Cal
Hobson has also voiced his support of HJR 1044.
“Senator Helton has long been an outspoken advocate
for our state’s veterans. He has worked diligently
to guide this measure through the legislative process to
give Oklahoma voters the chance to show respect and gratitude
the men and women who have unselfishly given of themselves
in uniform in defense of our country,” said Senator
Hobson.
For
more information contact:
Senate Communications Office -
(405) 521-5774
