PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — As we honor those who served our country and remember those we’ve lost on Veterans Day, for many families, the pressures and expenses that come with losing a loved one in combat can be overwhelming, but a constitutional amendment that just passed in Virginia could bring some relief.

“If you just take a step back and think, if you lose your spouse, if you’re the primary financial provider and you no longer are that, you, in a sense, end up in financial purgatory,” said Steve Matulewicz of the Navy SEAL foundation.

You may recall seeing the question on your ballot asking whether the Virginia constitution should be amended to allow the tax exemption available to the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action be extended to surviving spouses of those who died in the line of duty. It passed overwhelmingly.

“Virginia values our military service and our veterans,” said Rick Dwyer, executive director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

Military spouses are happy to see the amendment pass as well.

“Sometimes, that unfortunately is a challenge that military spouses face and it’s one other thing that they don’t have to worry about,” said military spouse Makayla Torrey.

“The burden is lifted when we realized that, and so knowing too that my spouse is the breadwinner but if something happens to him I don’t know what I would do,” Military Spouse Megan Thulin said.

The expansion is now available to all surviving spouses of soldiers who have died while performing their official duties, not just those killed in battle.

“Now, any service member, whether killed in a training accident here at home or abroad, but anything considered line of duty by the military, their surviving spouse will now be eligible for that same property tax exemption,” Dwyer said.

It will provide help for those who sacrificed so much.

“Anytime we can do anything that shows as a nation or Commonwealth of Virginia that we appreciate that service its a great thing for the Commonwealth to do,”
Dwyer said.

The exemption applies to the surviving spouse’s principal place of residence. To learn more, click here.