Heise and Veterans Testify in Support of Bill to Help Veterans Service Groups

- From a press release from the officer of Rep. Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth)

State Rep. Kurt Heise and three key state veterans officials this week testified before a House committee in support of his legislation to exempt groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars from paying state property taxes.

House Bill 5457, introduced by Heise, allows not-for-profit veterans groups that are a branch, lodge or chapter of a national or state veterans organization to be exempt from Michigan property taxes.

"This is truly an important time in our country's history where we have so many war veterans coming home, and now more than ever they need the help of our service organizations," said Heise, R-Plymouth.  "These important groups provide a network of support for veterans and their families, and it's important for the state to show our support as well."

Heise invited Douglas Williams, of the American Legion Department of Michigan; Lino Pretto, of the Military Order of Purple Heart; and Robert Weiss, of Veterans of Foreign Wars, to testify in support of the legislation.

Independent veterans groups can help service members cut through bureaucratic red tape when making a Veterans Administration claim, provide grants toward emergency financial aid, and help veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

HB 5457 is still under consideration by the House Tax Policy Committee.