Reitz Sponsors Measure to Assist Families, Spouses of Disabled Veterans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is working to ensure families of disabled veterans receive the benefits they have earned after relocating to Illinois following a veteran’s passing.

“The spouses and children of our brave service members also make sacrifices to our country, and they deserve to have the same benefits in Illinois that they may be eligible for in other states,” said Reitz. “This legislation ensures that the spouse of a disabled veteran can access the same property tax exemptions that would be available to a resident if the spouse moves to Illinois after their loved one’s passing.”

Reitz is cosponsoring House Bill 4752 which would allow the current property tax exemption for disabled veterans to carry over to a surviving spouse that moves into Illinois after their spouse’s death. This would ensure that spouses of disabled veterans are able to keep current exemptions they may have already qualified for in other states. The legislation was originally introduced after the spouse of a disabled veteran was unable to access the exemption after moving into Illinois following her spouse’s death.

“Many times, a spouse may return to or move into Illinois after their spouse’s death to be closer to family or friends,” said Reitz. “Many are also seniors who are already living on a fixed income, and we want to make sure that the families of our veterans are able to access the exemptions and benefits that they deserve no matter where they live.”