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There is just one public question on Tuesday's ballot. |
There is just one public question on Tuesday's ballot in Plainfield (some other communities may have local questions).
The question is asking voters to decide on extending an existing $250 tax deduction on property taxes for honorably discharged veterans owning their own homes to veterans living in continuing care facilities.
America's history of treatment of its veterans is spotty indeed.
World War I veterans, who had been promised a 'bonus', demonstrated and camped out in Washington, DC, to protest not receiving it during the Depression.
My father, who served in the US Navy as a Seabee during World War II building Liberty Ships at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, was able to buy his first home with a Veterans Administration mortgage -- part of the benefits package known as the GI Bill of Rights.
My mother's brother, who lied about his age to get into the Army, served in combat in northern Italy toward the war's end. The GI Bill helped him get trade school training that launched him on a successful lifetime career.
The GI Bill marked a high water in treatment of America's veterans. Even so, it was flawed by 'local administration' which meant that in the South, Black veterans got fewer and less generous benefits -- if any.
The VA Hospital system was once the best in the country. It now ranks among the worst, with veterans dying while waiting for appointments.
The VA has resisted efforts at reform.
This tax refund is against New Jersey taxes only.
I think it is a fair thing to do to include this small number of veterans who do not live in homes they own.
To read an unbiased explanation of the public question, visit Ballotpedia here.
The polls are open on Tuesday, November 5, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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