Trending Topics

Conn. approves tax break for spouses of fallen first responders

The measure means that the spouses of first responders who died in the line of duty will have their property taxes reduced by one half

By John Burgeson
Connecticut Post

MILFORD — Families that have had first responders fall in the line of duty will be getting a break in their property taxes.

At the urging of Karen Fortunati, who represents District 5, the Board of Aldermen recently passed the tax-reduction package that will benefit spouses of police officers, firefighters and EMS workers who have died in the line of duty.

Fortunati, who’s in her first term, said that she got the idea for the measure while campaigning door-to-door last fall.

“There was a very positive feeling on the board about this,” she said. “All of them wanted to do this for the Milford families that have suffered a terrible loss like this.”

The measure means that their homes will see their property taxes reduced by one half. It’s believed that four homes in Milford now qualify for the benefit.

The tax break is intended for the spouses first responders who have died while serving police, fire and EMS department located within the state. It also applies to the spouses of first responders and law officers who worked for state agencies.

City officials said that to qualify, home must be the spouse’s primary residence as well. It’s rescinded if the spouse remarries, moves or dies, or if the home is no longer the primary residence.

A few other municipalities in the state have similar ordinances.

“A great resource for me was the Hundred Club of Connecticut,” Fortunati said. “It’s a charity for fallen police officers and first responders.”

The tax break take effect immediately, city officials said.

Copyright 2018 Connecticut Post

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU