Houghtaling Measure to Support State War Memorials Now Law

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Bob Andrzejczak, Bruce Land, Eric Houghtaling, Wayne DeAngelo and Gordon Johnson to help increase financial support for New Jersey memorials honoring veterans is now law.

The new law (A-770) will allow taxpayers to make voluntary contributions via their gross income tax returns to support the maintenance of state memorials honoring New Jersey's veterans of the Korean War, the Vietnam War and World War II.

"New Jersey has an indisputable obligation to remember, and pay tribute to, the sacrifices of those who put their lives on the line as part of the United States military," said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient who was wounded in Iraq while serving with the U.S. Army. "Giving people the option of honoring that obligation when they file their taxes will encourage them to consider how they can help ensure that our state never forgets the valiant efforts of its veterans."

"We are indebted to all those who put themselves on the line for our safety and the security of our country," said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). "This makes it easy for residents who want to honor and support New Jersey's veterans to do so."

The law establishes the "NJ Memorials to War Veterans Maintenance Fund" in the Department of Treasury. As the measure applies to taxable years beginning after enactment, taxpayers in 2019 will have the opportunity to indicate on their gross income tax returns whether they would like a portion of their tax year 2018 refund to be deposited into this special fund.

The measure, which received unanimous approval from both houses of the legislature, was signed into law by the governor on Monday.