Federal legislation would aid disaster victims in N.H.-CONCORD MONITOR
Tornado hit areas may see tax reimbursement
Homeowners and businesses affected by this summer's tornado and floods may get a little relief come tax time.
Members of New Hampshire's Congressional delegation are supporting federal legislation that would increase income tax deductions for those struggling to rebuild. Volunteers who helped disaster victims would also be eligible for increased mileage reimbursement when they file.
Not just Granite Staters would benefit. The bill applies to taxpayers in any community declared a federal disaster area between Jan. 1 and the end of 2011. U.S. Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter, both Democrats, voted for a the legislation last night.
Sen. John Sununu, a Republican, supported similar legislation in the Senate. Sen. Judd Gregg's office did not return a phone call yesterday afternoon.
Several steps remain before the bill can become law, but local communities hard-hit by the storm were pleased. Robert Blodgett, chairman of Epsom's board of selectmen, said residents need as much help as they can get.
"It would mean quite a bit," he said. "In four years we've had four disasters. . . . There's a lot of people who didn't have insurance enough to cover the damage that they did have. If it goes through, it would be great for them."
