Arizona House leader receives award for commitment to veterans

Represents Scottsdale, Fountain Hills at Legislature

State Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, has been honored with the Legislator of the Year award from the Arizona Department of the American Legion for his commitment to veterans.

Kavanagh has been lauded for his sponsorship and work to pass House Bill 2320, a new law providing a  property tax exemption benefitting veterans’ service organizations, according to a press release.

Kavanagh is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 23, which includes Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Rio Verde.

The award was presented during the Arizona American Legion’s 2022 state convention in Oro Valley on June 25.

HB 2320 allows property and buildings leased to, or owned by, a veterans’ service organization to qualify for property tax exemption as long the property is used primarily for veterans-related operations and the economic benefit is passed on entirely to the organization. HB 2320 was signed into law by Gov. Doug Ducey on May 27.

“We all owe a great debt of gratitude to America’s veterans, without whom our nation could not be free,” said Kavanagh. “This tax savings for veterans is well earned and well deserved.”

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization advocating for veterans’ rights and quality of life.