County veterans groups back Bill 6‑24; advisers urge raising $100,000 AGI cap

Montgomery County held a public hearing June 11 on Bill 6‑24, which would create a property tax credit for honorably discharged veterans with service‑connected disabilities and provide continuation for surviving spouses.

Sponsor Council Member Fani Gonzalez framed the bill as a way to “step it up” for veteran families and said the proposal reflects stakeholder input and state constraints. She told the council she does not personally benefit from the proposal and noted outreach to veterans organizations in drafting the measure.

Multiple veterans and nonprofit representatives urged passage while urging technical changes.

Richard Fanati, commander of VFW Post 2562 in Wheaton, said he represents “over 300 veterans” and spoke in support of the measure, thanking the council for “thinking of us.” Amsa Heck, chief advancement officer at EveryMind and spouse of a 100% disabled Air Force veteran, described housing and financial strain among veterans and said the credit would help “alleviate the financial burden” that can push veterans from their homes.

Kevin Doxey, president of the Montgomery County chapter of the Military Officers Association, welcomed the bill but warned the $100,000 federal adjusted gross income (AGI) cap would exclude many veterans and enlisted personnel unless it is broadened. He recommended the council consider changes that keep fiscal impacts reasonable while reaching more eligible veterans.

Michael Wilson, chair of the Montgomery County Commission for Veterans Affairs, urged amendments, including using median household income measures rather than a fixed $100,000 AGI threshold and clarifying whether income is combined household income or individual income. Jason Spigel of the Maryland Military Coalition asked for indexing the AGI limit to inflation so the credit does not erode over time.

Dennis Alexander of Easterseals highlighted programmatic benefits and cited staff report findings that a substantial share of veterans are homeowners and that tax relief can reduce foreclosures and property tax liens.

What’s next: The council president said the bill will be scheduled for a Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee work session at a later date; written materials are due to the council by the close of business on June 20. No committee votes or final council action occurred at this hearing.

Authorities and references: Witnesses cited state enabling language (noted in the staff material as “section 9‑625 of the Tax‑Property Article”) that authorizes counties to expand property tax credits for disabled veterans. The testimony contained policy recommendations (indexing, income‑cap adjustments and clarifying whether VA disability payments are counted as taxable income).

Council members and staff asked advisers to provide detailed fiscal impact estimates and alternate AGI thresholds before committee consideration.