There are some shocking statistics pertaining to America's military veterans, but Minnesota's soldiers -- and their families and employers -- got some good news Nov. 12.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty unveiled a $51 million package, featuring 35 initiatives including military income and pension tax exemption. The plan is labeled the 2008 Military and Veterans Support Package. It would apply to those who have served in the nation's armed forces and for Minnesotans now on active duty.
The effort is called the 2008 Military and Veterans Support Package and it includes proposals to expand and enhance veterans' services, address tax issues, provide additional educational benefits, and advance initiatives focused on businesses that employ veterans. A combination of ongoing and one-time funds is proposed to finance the initiatives.
There is no quick fix, but it's important we do something to improve some of the numbers released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the VA's Web site, nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and double that figure experience homelessness in a given year. Conservatively, one-third of all homeless men are military veterans.
The new formula will be presented to the Legislature when it convenes in February and I look forward to seeing bipartisan support. It's nice we back our soldiers with yard signs and stickers in our car windows, but this is a way we can provide a real helping hand.
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Maybe most notably, the proposal makes military income and pensions fully exempt from state income tax. In addition, Minnesota soldiers and veterans would be allowed to subtract 100 percent of their pay for military service, military pensions and retirement payments when computing state income tax. These payments are currently considered taxable income.
Current members of the military, military retirees and survivors of military retirees will be allowed to claim the exemption. It also covers the pay of all active duty service members who claim Minnesota as their state of residence.
Factors beyond finances may contribute to the plight of veterans and this plan addresses some of those aspects. For instance, veteran support services also are continued and expanded upon, including the operation of LinkVet, the vital toll-free hotline service, including program software, crisis connection contract, staffing, and training.
The plan also includes a hiring/training incentive for businesses that employ veterans by allowing for an on-the-job training reimbursement.
Simpson represents District 10B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and can be reached at 1-800-914-3172 or at rep.dean.simpson@house.mn .
