Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Signs Tax Relief Legislation for Qualified Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members and Surviving Spouses of Fallen First Responders
Photo at signing ceremony
New Property Tax Exemptions Honor Service and Provide Meaningful Relief
Watch News Conference Here:
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Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has signed into law four new local laws increasing County property tax exemptions for eligible veterans, active-duty military members serving in combat zones and surviving spouses of first responders who died in the line of duty. The measures are designed to ease the financial burden on those who have sacrificed in service to others.
Jenkins said: “We can never fully repay the people who have served our country or the families who have lost someone protecting our communities, but we can make sure they know Westchester County stands with them. These exemptions provide meaningful financial relief for veterans living with life-changing disabilities, active-duty military members serving in combat zones and surviving spouses who continue carrying the burden of an unimaginable sacrifice. Today, we’re turning our gratitude into action.”
The legislation includes a full County property tax exemption for qualifying veterans who are permanently disabled due to military service, a 25% exemption for active-duty military members serving in combat zones and 50% exemptions for surviving spouses of police officers, volunteer firefighters, and volunteer ambulance service members who died in the line of duty.
Westchester County Department of Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said: “It is our responsibility to honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes, including easing the burden on the families they left behind. The tax exemption is another way that we can support the loved ones who have suffered such a devastating loss.”
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said: “It is always meaningful to express appreciation for our first responders and veterans who risk their lives to keep our communities and our nation safe. We recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of Sept 11 and took that opportunity to express our support for the surviving families. This legislation takes those words and ceremonies a step further, and provides a real financial benefit for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are forever grateful to Firefighters, EMS, Police and Veterans who serve. So we thank County Executive Jenkins and the Board of Legislators – for recognizing the need to support them and their families with this County property tax exemption. I look forward to the enactment of similar County legislation for career firefighters as soon as its authorized by the State.”
Westchester County Director of Veterans Services Josh Gaccione said: “Many veterans living with severe service-connected disabilities face physical, emotional and financial challenges every day, while surviving spouses of fallen first responders must rebuild their lives after an unimaginable loss. These exemptions acknowledge those realities and provide assistance that can make a real difference for families trying to remain financially secure. This is another important step in making Westchester one of the most veteran-friendly counties in New York.”
Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: "Those who serve our communities and our country make extraordinary sacrifices, as do the families who stand beside them. With these exemptions now signed into law, Westchester County is turning its gratitude into real financial relief. I am proud the full Board came together to support these local heroes and their families, and I thank County Executive Jenkins for his partnership in making it happen."
The exemptions will apply to assessment rolls with taxable status dates on or after Oct. 1, 2026. Eligible property owners must apply through their local assessor and meet all applicable eligibility requirements. In adopting these local options authorized under New York State law, Westchester is ensuring that those who have sacrificed for their country and community receive meaningful support where it matters most.
Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith said: “Honoring service requires more than words; it requires meaningful action to support the people and families who have made extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country and our communities. I was proud to help advance this package through the Legislation Committee and to support its unanimous passage by the Board.”
Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels said: “These exemptions reflect our values as a County—standing with those who serve and protecting the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As Budget Chair, I’m proud we can provide meaningful property tax relief to our veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and their families while honoring their service to our communities.”
Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo said: “I am proud to support these four important legislative items providing meaningful property tax relief to those who have sacrificed and served our communities and nation. These exemptions are more than financial assistance; they are a tangible expression of our gratitude and our commitment to standing behind our service members, veterans, first responders and their families. Westchester County has a proud tradition of honoring those who protect and serve, and I will continue advocating for policies that recognize their sacrifices and provide meaningful support when they need it most.”
The legislation was unanimously approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.