Members of the Smithtown school board voted unanimously Tuesday to provide tax relief to nearly 1,400 veterans.

Dominic Ercolano, a 92-year-old WWII vet, is just one of the many who will benefit from the tax exemption. Ercolano attended the meeting to express how hard it has become to afford taxes on the Nesconset home that he shares with his wife. He says living on a fixed income is tough, and without help he could be forced to sell his home.

School board members agreed. Their decision comes on the same day that Gov. Andrew Cuomo broadened the exemption to include school taxes.

School officials say the plan will cost the average homeowner about $20 extra per year.

The exemption will go into effect at the start of the next school year.