Veterans groups look for property tax breaks

Veterans groups facing declining membership and decreasing revenues are looking for opportunities to reduce expenses elsewhere. In this case, they’re looking to state lawmakers for a property tax reprieve.

HF555, sponsored by Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake), would reduce property taxes for congressionally chartered veterans’ nonprofits like Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legions by approximately 33 percent. A bill summary from the nonpartisan House Research Department notes the reduction would result in a slight increase in tax burdens to all other properties.

Wabasha County American Legion Commander Anmdru Peters testifies in favor HF555, sponsored by Rep. Bob Dettmer, left, to provide a property tax reduction for congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations. Photo by Paul Battaglia

Approved Monday by the House Veterans Affairs Division, which Dettmer chairs, the bill heads to the House Taxes Committee. It has no Senate companion.

Andru Peters, a Vietnam-era Army veteran and American Legion Wabasha County Commander, said he “became alarmed” at the “high cost of operations” with American Legion buildings – places he deemed “safe havens” – and that’s why he approached Dettmer with the idea.

Citing a number of programs organizations like his provide, including sponsoring local baseball teams and comforting survivors, Peters said allowing this tax break is “one step in continuing the viability” in buildings where veterans congregate.

“We really push Americanism,” Peters said. “We really work with our youth because they are the future of our country.”