To the Editor:

I am writing this letter as a follow up to the July 2 article (“Voorheesville Named Wealthiest Upstate District”) and the passing of New York State Bill # 01199, which took effect June 1, 2014. This bill covers a veterans’ exemption for school tax.

In January 2015, I called the budget office for the Voorheesville School District and was told that it would be discussed March 2, 2015. After looking on the school’s website and district letter, I saw no mention at all of this current bill.

In June 2015, I went to the budget office and asked what was the outcome of said bill. The response I received was that there is nothing in the notes at all.

When asked why it was not voted, I was told it had to be tabled because the budget had to be passed.

That said, if Voorheesville is truly a blue ribbon school and now named the wealthiest upstate district, it is my belief that this bill could be passed and fully implemented by the Voorheesville School District. In the July 2 Enterprise article, Superintendent Brian Hunt was quoted as saying Voorheesville is careful about overburdening taxpayers. That said, we “Disabled American Veterans” live on a small fixed income.

To receive any discount on our school taxes would be well-received by most veterans and their families. We are not asking for a lot.

We veterans and those still serving sacrifice everything to uphold the rights of Americans without question. Our sister school districts have passed this bill and I commend the school boards for their acknowledgement of our sacrifices.

That said, why is Voorheesville school district stalling on this legislation?

Sgt. Greg Wilk (Ret.)

New Scotland