I understand that many are experiencing problems with local revenue offices and others still have questions regarding the real estate tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service connected disability. To be sure you have the latest information on the tax exemption, I would like to share with you with the latest update from the Director of Communications for DVS, Anne Atkins. Subsequent to this release, we were informed that the US Department of Veterans Administration will be sending a letter to each of the eligible veterans in Virginia confirming their status. These letters should be mailed by the end of April, and this letter will fill the requirement of the law that requires the veteran to provide documentation from the Veterans Administration on their status.

I also wanted to be sure that you were aware of the latest news from First Lady Maureen McDonnell’s initiative to provide assistance to Service Member Families of Deployed Personnel. Below are selected excerpts from a press release announcing the launch of a new web site designed to help military families with deployed personnel. Please help us spread the word to the veterans who will benefit from this new law and to our military families with loved ones serving in harm’s way.

If you have any questions about my veterans related bills and for addressees in the 66th District that need assistance on any veteran or military related issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at 804-526-5135 or by email at DelKCox@house.virginia.gov. COL Al Pianalto, USAF Ret., my veterans/military action officer, will be able to answer your questions or help you with your issue.

Regards,

Kirk

Legislation Enacted Granting Real Estate Tax Exemption to Veterans with 100% Disability

Governor McDonnell has signed the enabling legislation requiring localities to grant a real estate tax exemption to veterans with a 100%, permanent and total, service-connected disability. A constitutional amendment passed by voters this past fall and legislation patroned by Delegate John O’Bannon and Senator Toddy Puller exempts real estate, including property held jointly by a husband and wife, from taxation provided the veteran meets the specified disability requirements. The exemption applies to the building on the property and up to one acre of land. The veteran must use the property as his or her principal residence.

The surviving spouse of a veteran is also eligible for the exemption if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011. The spouse will lose the exemption if he or she remarries or does not occupy the property as his or her primary place of residence. The exemption is not retroactive and spouses will not be eligible if the veteran died prior to January 1, 2011.

Localities will supply forms for veterans to use to claim the exemption. The veteran will be required to:

· include his or her name

· name of spouse (if appropriate)

· whether the property is jointly owned by husband and wife

· Certify the property is occupied as the veteran’s principal residence

In late April, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will send a benefits summary to approximately 7,500 Virginia veterans identified by the VA as having a 100% permanent and total, service-connected disability. Veterans may submit this summary to the commissioner of the revenue, or to the official designated by governing body of their county, city, or town, as part of their application to claim the real estate tax exemption. Surviving spouses claiming the exemption must provide documentation that the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011. Veterans may call the USDVA at 1-800-827-1000 if they have questions about their disability rating.

Veterans and their spouses will not be required to refile their information unless their principal place of residence changes. For additional information about the exemption, veterans should contact their local commissioner of the revenue or other designated local government official.

First Lady Maureen McDonnell Launches “Serving Our Service Member Families” Website

System Matches needs of Families of Deployed Service members with Businesses and Volunteers that can help

Website can be accessed at: www.SOS.virginia.gov

RICHMOND – Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell today launched the “Serving Our Service Member Families” website, www.SOS.virginia.gov, which will provide an easy to use on-line connection between the families of deployed soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and their fellow Virginians, businesses, places of worship, and civic and volunteer organizations to help meet their needs while a loved one is away serving the nation. Through the website, families can log on and find help in a secure format for various needs; businesses can register to give their support by offering their company and services at a special rate for the families; and community groups can register and list themselves as resources to the families. The website is a part of Mrs. McDonnell’s ongoing “Serving Our Service Member Families” (SOS) initiative which she launched shortly after her husband took office.

Speaking about the website, Mrs. McDonnell commented, “Last year we launched ‘Serving Our Service Member Families’ to encourage all Virginians to reach out and help the families of the deployed with the everyday tasks we often take for granted. SOS is, for me, the very essence of what it means to be a good neighbor. As a military daughter, wife, and mother, I know the challenges military families face first-hand, and how special it is to have love and support when a spouse is deployed. Today’s launch of the SOS website will help connect military families with businesses, support organizations, and generous neighbors that want to lend a hand. It is our hope that citizens, businesses, places of worship, and community organizations will go to the website to sign-up and get involved by serving the families who are repeatedly enduring tremendous burdens and sacrifices for our state and nation.”

She continued, “In remembrance of those lost on September 11th, when Virginia herself was attacked, and those called to arms in response to that attack, I want to honor our military and their families in some small way. So every month, we do something to honor and bring attention to our service men and women, their families, and our veterans. I am asking all Virginians to adopt the 11th, or any day each month, as a day of ‘Serving Our Service Member Families’ and do something special for the family of a deployed military member or wounded warrior in their community.”

Virginia is home to more active duty military and their families than any other state, and the Governor and First Lady want our service members to know that there is a military family in the Governor’s Mansion, who thanks them for protecting the freedoms we wake up to every morning. Reaching out, connecting, and offering support to these families by simply letting them know you’d like to help if they have an emergency, or something as simple as taking a hot meal to the family of a deployed service member, or offering to cut their grass or help with raking leaves. Businesses can offer discounted services for items such as oil changes; discounts on plumbing services; or a percentage off their meal on the 11th of every month in honor of the sacrifices their families are making. Again, small gestures can mean so much.

Major General Daniel E. Long Jr., Adjutant General of Virginia, commented, “The Virginia National Guard has mobilized more than 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen since 9/11, many of our personnel have served on federal active duty multiple times and more than 1,700 will be on duty in the next year. Their service in defense of the ideals of freedom places a large burden on their families, and we need to do everything we can to support those families while their loved ones are away. The Virginia Guard, along with the other active and reserve military services, have extensive programs in place to support families, but this web site is going to be an important tool that will connect families in need with local organizations that can provide valuable assistance. We all know the Governor and First Lady have focused their attention on the needs of military families, and we are very excited to work with them to make this program a success and increase the support we offer to our families.”

The “Serving Our Service Member Families” campaign is part of FLITE, the First Lady’s Initiatives Team Effort. FLITE is a team of 100 leading Virginia women working with the First Lady to recognize programs, activities, organizations, or individuals who embody the ideal of “getting involved and giving back.” It brings attention to the great work being done by selfless people around the Commonwealth who are taking the opportunity to leave the Commonwealth a better place than they found it. It also helps to develop new programs and events to support the First Lady’s four signature issues:

A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Military Families A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Preventive Health and Wellness A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Economic Development, with a specific focus on the Virginia Wine, Film, and Tourism Industries A Commonwealth of Opportunity for Women

You can learn more about FLITE here: http://www.firstlady.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/FLITE/

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