Military Retirement Benefits State Tax Exemption

Call to Action!

Military Pension and Survivors’ Benefits State Income Tax Exemption

VT National Guard & Veterans Affairs Caucus asks you to contact House Ways & Means Committee members and your Representatives & Senators to express your support for the “Lipsky et al amendment to H.483” on the House Floor Tuesday, March 25!

WHY?

·      To respect the unique nature of 20 years of military service: Exemptions for military retirees and survivors does not mean Vermont would have to do the same for other public servants. Military members and their families are told when, where, and for how long they are stationed, and they cannot walk away from their commitment to serve, unlike any other public servants.

·      To create an incentive to help grow Vermont’s workforce: Vermont has a demographic crisis stagnating our economy. Military families fill jobs and schools. Second careers after retirement provide a trained workforce with housing who share valuable life skills, serving as volunteers and public servants in their communities.

·      To align with the other 47 states currently exempting pensions: Vermont is one of only three states that offers minimal, incremental tax relief for certain military retirees and their survivors. The number of retirees has remained stagnant over time, even as their numbers grow, indicating they are leaving the State.

·      Because there were 75 tri-partisan sponsors of the original House bill and 21 on the Senate bill this session, and it has not been taken off the wall for serious consideration in either the House or the Senate in the last decade!

PLEASE CONTACT MEMBERS of the HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS:

(EMAIL: first initial followed by last name @leg.state.vt.us

Example: EKornheiser@leg.state.vt.us )

    •    Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair

    •    Rep. William Canfield, Vice Chair

    •    Rep. Charles Kimbell, Ranking Member

    •    Rep. Carolyn Branagan

    •    Rep. Bridget Burkhardt, Clerk

    •    Rep. Martha Feltus

    •    Rep. Mark Higley

    •    Rep. Rebecca Holcombe

    •    Rep. James Masland

    •    Rep. Carol Ode

    •    Rep. Edward "Teddy" Waszazak

OR CALL the SERGEANT AT ARMS OFFICE to leave a message:

802-828-2228

I thank our many Veterans and Retired Military personnel for their service to our country.

I remain honored to be your Representative,

Rob North

www.NorthForVTHouse.com

Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham.