SACRAMENTO–Two bills authored by State Senator Jeff Stone (R-Riverside) to provide tax relief for California’s veterans and make college more affordable for working class families were passed unanimously be the Senate Government and Finance Committee on May 4.
Senate Bill 1104, the Veterans Tax Relief bill, attempts to deal with the problem of homeless veterans by capping the property taxes on the primary residence of honorably discharged veterans over age 65. The bill also exempts the property tax of all 100 percent disabled veterans living in their primary residence.
“Veterans have done so much for their country,” Senator Stone told the committee. “And in return, local, state and the federal government needs to do everything they can to help them succeed.”
Senate Bill 1148, the Tuition Assistance bill, will allow a state tax deduction for qualified education expenses including payments for tuition, books, supplies, equipment, fees and payments made on the principal of a qualified educational loan.
“This bill will help working families across California deal with college affordability,” Senator Stone told the committee. “Education costs in California and across the country have skyrocketed in recent years.”
Senator Stone was grateful with the bi-partisan support both of his bills received.
“The need for these bills that provide financial relief for so many Californians was obvious to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle,” said Senator Stone. “I am looking forward to the same bi-partisan support as these bills move through the legislature and on to Governor Brown’s desk.”
Both SB 1104 and SB 1148 now head to the Senate Appropriations committee.
