Measure
Would Allow Contributions to Organizations that Support Homeless Veterans
Through Voluntary Deduction on State Income Taxes
(TRENTON) – The General Assembly recently
approved legislation sponsored by Democrats Troy Singleton, Daniel R. Benson,
Gilbert L. “Whip” Wilson, Angel Fuentes and Annette Quijano that would allow New
Jersey residents to make a voluntary donation on their gross income tax return
to support homeless veterans.
“We cannot be indifferent to the
plight of these brave men and women, who did what their duty required and fought
for our country and our freedoms while their own lives suffered,” said Singleton
(D-Burlington). “If every individual in the state gave a dollar, the term
‘homeless veteran’ might no longer be applicable in New
Jersey.”
“These are soldiers, sailors, airmen
and marines; they are heroes,” said Benson (D-Mercer). “And some of these
heroes now need our help to keep a roof over their heads. This fund not only
helps raise awareness of their plight, it will help some veterans get back on
their feet.”
“How embarrassing and maddening it
must be for our veterans to have fought to keep our freedoms intact overseas and
then to come back to find that they are powerless to keep a roof over their
families,” said Wilson (D-Camden), a member of the committee. “Our veterans
fought to protect the American dream yet are coming home to a nightmare. Our
donations can and will help.”
“To see some of our fighting men and
women who have sacrificed so much for us be reduced to homelessness because of
their devotion to our country is just plain wrong,” said Fuentes (D-Camden).
“Legislation like this can help set thing right, however, by calling attention
to the problem and giving concerned residents a direct way to
help.”
“How can we tell someone that fought
to defend our homes that they no longer have one to come back to,” said Quijano
(D-Union). “We can’t and we shouldn’t. And maybe, if enough people chip in a
few dollars from their income tax return, we won’t have to in the
future.”
The bill (A-2011), entitled the “New
Jersey Homeless Veterans Grant Program Act,” would establish a special “Homeless
Veterans Grant Fund” in the state Department of the Treasury, which would be
funded by voluntary gross income tax contributions from New Jersey residents.
Annually the Treasury would disburse the money in the fund to the state
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which would then award grants to
organizations that assist homeless veterans in New Jersey. The grants would be distributed
on a competitive basis. Organizations wishing to apply for a grant under this
program would submit an application to the Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs.
The Assembly passed the measure
74-0. An identical bill was approved in October by the Senate Military and
Veterans Affairs Committee and is now awaiting consideration by the Senate
President.
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