Independent Political Club Demands Protection for Veterans, Property Tax Reform, and Economic Relief for Black New Yorkers
By Black Westchester Magazine | November 12, 2026
The American Freedmen Independent Club of New York (AFICNY) is taking its fight for government accountability to both Washington and Albany, issuing two official statements challenging policies that the organization believes could threaten the economic security of veterans, Black working-class families, homeowners, retirees, and small-business owners.
Damon K. Jones, New York Representative of AFICNY, released the statements following congressional action involving veterans’ disability compensation and renewed discussions about potential tax increases in New York State. The organization argues that although the two issues involve different levels of government, they raise the same fundamental question: Why are ordinary Americans continually being asked to make additional financial sacrifices while government officials avoid difficult decisions about spending and accountability?
The independent political club is making clear that its concerns are not directed exclusively at Democrats or Republicans. AFICNY maintains that both parties must be held accountable when their legislative decisions place additional financial burdens on the people they were elected to represent.
Veterans’ Disability Benefits Spark Congressional Controversy
The first statement addresses the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, H.R. 9237, which the U.S. House of Representatives approved on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026. The legislation is intended to expand retirement and disability compensation for approximately 58,000 combat-injured military retirees, an objective AFICNY supports.
However, the organization objects to provisions that would change how the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates tinnitus and sleep apnea for future disability claims. According to AFICNY’s statement, those changes could reduce compensation for some future claimants, although veterans already receiving benefits for those conditions would be protected.
The controversy centers on how Congress intends to finance expanded benefits for combat-injured retirees. Supporters of the legislation argue that it addresses a longstanding inequity affecting veterans who have been unable to receive certain retirement and disability benefits simultaneously, while critics question whether reducing compensation available to future claimants is an appropriate way to pay for those improvements.
AFICNY argues that the federal government should not create a situation in which one group of veterans must accept reduced benefits so another group can receive compensation it has already earned. The organization believes veterans’ benefits should be treated as obligations arising from military service rather than financial bargaining tools during congressional budget negotiations.
The organization also expressed concern about the House’s use of a voice vote rather than a recorded roll call. AFICNY believes that legislation affecting veterans’ financial security deserves greater transparency so constituents can determine where their elected representatives stand on the issue.
For Black American veterans, AFICNY says the debate carries particular historical significance. Black service members have defended the United States throughout its history, including periods when segregation, discrimination, and unequal treatment limited their opportunities during military service and after returning home.
The organization is calling on the United States Senate to reject provisions that could reduce future disability compensation while advancing legislation that protects and expands earned veterans’ benefits. AFICNY maintains that Congress must find a responsible funding solution that does not require veterans to finance improvements through reductions affecting other veterans.
AFICNY Warns Black New Yorkers Cannot Afford Additional Taxes
While Congress debates veterans’ compensation, AFICNY is also directing its attention toward Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State lawmakers following discussions about potentially raising additional tax revenue after the November elections.
The organization argues that Black New Yorkers are already struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and property taxes. For working-class and middle-class families attempting to maintain financial stability, AFICNY believes additional taxation could make an already difficult economic situation worse.
The statement comes as New York policymakers face competing demands for public services, infrastructure, education, and other government programs. While supporters of additional revenue argue that public investments require sustainable funding, AFICNY believes state leaders should first demonstrate that existing taxpayer dollars are being managed effectively.
For the organization, the debate is particularly important because of the challenges surrounding Black homeownership and generational wealth. Families who have worked for decades to purchase homes are facing increasing expenses, while younger generations are finding it more difficult to enter the housing market.
AFICNY argues that economic development should be measured by whether families can purchase homes, establish businesses, save money, and pass assets to their children. The organization believes public policy should encourage those outcomes rather than impose additional financial obligations that could make them harder to achieve.
Property Tax Reform Becomes a Central Demand
One of the most significant proposals in AFICNY’s statement is a call to eliminate property taxes on fully paid-off primary residences. The organization believes homeowners who have completed their mortgage payments should receive greater protection from the continuing financial burden of property taxation, particularly seniors living on fixed incomes.
The proposal would represent a substantial change in New York’s property tax system, which provides revenue for schools, municipal governments, and essential local services. Implementing such a policy would require lawmakers to determine how lost revenue would be replaced while protecting the public services residents depend upon.
AFICNY acknowledges that government services require funding but argues that fiscal responsibility must come before additional taxation. The organization is calling for a comprehensive examination of government spending, elimination of unnecessary expenditures, and measurable evidence that existing programs are delivering meaningful results.
The club also wants economic policies that encourage business ownership, homeownership, workforce development, and generational wealth creation. AFICNY believes these priorities are essential to strengthening Black working-class and middle-class communities that have experienced decades of economic challenges.
The organization argues that Black New Yorkers should not be forced to choose between paying property taxes, purchasing groceries, maintaining their homes, and saving for their children’s futures. Its position is that government should pursue economic policies that allow families to retain more of what they earn while maintaining essential services.
Political Independence and Government Accountability
The two statements also reflect AFICNY’s broader philosophy of political independence and accountability. Rather than aligning its positions automatically with either major political party, the organization says it evaluates government actions according to their consequences for the people affected.
In Washington, AFICNY is challenging legislation approved by the Republican-controlled House because of its potential impact on future veterans’ disability compensation. In Albany, the organization is questioning discussions about additional taxation under Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul because of the potential consequences for working families and homeowners.
The club argues that political loyalty should never prevent citizens from questioning policies that affect their financial security. AFICNY maintains that voters should demand measurable accomplishments, responsible spending, and clear explanations of how legislative decisions will affect their communities.
For Jones, the statements reinforce the organization’s commitment to placing the permanent interests of the people ahead of partisan politics. AFICNY’s advocacy focuses on economic independence, stronger families, homeownership, constitutional rights, and greater government accountability.
A Message to Washington and Albany
AFICNY’s statements arrive as Americans continue to debate government spending, affordability, taxation, and the financial obligations owed to military veterans. Although these issues involve different legislative processes, the organization believes they demonstrate the importance of examining who ultimately bears the financial consequences of government decisions.
The club wants Congress to protect disability compensation for future veterans while expanding benefits for combat-injured retirees. In New York, it wants lawmakers to prioritize affordability, responsible spending, and property tax reform before considering additional financial burdens on residents.
AFICNY maintains that protecting veterans’ benefits and promoting economic opportunity for Black New Yorkers are consistent with its broader mission of strengthening families and building financial independence. The organization believes elected officials should be evaluated not simply by campaign promises or the programs they announce, but by the measurable results their policies produce.
Jones concluded the organization’s message by reaffirming the political principle that guides AFICNY’s advocacy: “No Permanent Friends. No Permanent Enemies. Only Permanent Interests.”
The American Freedmen Independent Club of New York says it intends to continue holding both political parties accountable on issues affecting veterans, working families, homeowners, retirees, and future generations. Its message is that government accountability must extend beyond election campaigns and political speeches to the real economic consequences of decisions made in Washington and Albany.
For more information about the American Freedmen Independent Club of New York, visit AFICNY.COM.
