When I am not lurking on this time suck of a board I have a quasi-real job as a Legislative Aide for a Nebraska State Senator. Currently, we are drafting legislation to exempt the retirement benefits of all Armed Forces members from state income taxation. Personally, I feel that this is the least the state can do to repay the enormous debt that we owe our vets. However, I would like to get the views of the ARFCOM bretheren on some issues that have occurred in the drafting of this bill. Here is the chance for all of you to actually have input on a bill that will have a direct impact on thousands of Nebraska's veterans.
Questions?
1. Do you believe that it is proper for the state to exempt veterans' retirement benefits from taxation? Or should a veteran be taxed the same as everyother citizen in the state?
2. At what age should the tax exemption begin? Many state that have enacted such legislation have made it effective between age 60 to 65. Or should the tax exemption occur when the veteran begins to receive retirement benefits?
3. What other incentives could be offered to repay veterans for their service? Unfortunately, property tax breaks are probably out because it would have have a horrible impact on an already tough budget situation, but state motorvehicle taxes may be a possibility.
Thanks for any input you may have.
Kyle