COLUMBUS - Just weeks before the nation is set to honor the work and sacrifices of America's veterans, Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted (R- Kettering) and members of the Ohio House of Representatives unveiled a proposal to benefit thousands of military retirees across the state.
Flanked by members of the business community and veterans organizations Husted announced the details of the proposal and highlighted the need for its swift passage.
"Our veterans have sacrificed so much so we might enjoy our freedoms and live free from fear in the greatest nation in the world," Husted said. "This package helps eliminate burdens on military personnel and their families and provides significant tax relief. At the same time, it makes Ohio an attractive state for military retirees and those who wish to continue their work in the private sector."
The legislation, set to be introduced today and sponsored by State Representative Ross McGregor (R- Springfield), primarily focuses on eliminating unnecessary, bureaucratic burdens placed on members of the military and their families, while also eliminating the taxation on military retirement benefits.
Specifically, the legislation focuses on areas identified as priorities by Ohio veterans, including:
Eliminating Taxation of Ohio Military Retirement Benefits:
- The bill eliminates the state's income tax on military pensions.
- The proposal would exempt the retirement benefits of approximately 38,640 retired military personnel in Ohio. Based on 2005 data, the bill could save Ohio military retirees more than $23 million.
- Currently 35 other states across the nation exempt some or all military pensions from state income taxes.
Ensuring Easier Re-entry to the Workplace:
- The legislation provides veterans a six-month window, upon return from service, to renew professional licenses that may have lapsed or expired while the individual was serving in the armed forces. Doing so will help ensure veterans a smooth re-entry to their previous career or employment.
- The bill also expands current law to include members of the Ohio National Guard - called to active duty by the governor - among those who are eligible for an extension of their continuing education license equal to the length of time of their service.
Removing Burdens on Military Families:
- The bill eliminates costly fees for families who lose a loved one.
- The legislation also allows the courts to waive probate fees - ranging up to $500 - for cases involving military personnel killed in action.
- The exemption would be provided to members of the United States Armed Services who lost their lives while serving in a combat zone, as classified by the federal government. (includes Iraq and Afghanistan)
"Countless Ohioans and their families have made sacrifices so that our nation can continue to be an example of prosperity and democracy for the rest of the world," McGregor said. "This bill is a fitting acknowledgment to a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid to the brave men and women who have answered their country's call to duty."
In attendance at the unveiling were retired members of the US Armed Forces and representatives from the Dayton business community, currently represented by Husted in the Ohio House. The proposal received great praise from veterans and business leaders alike.
"Retired military have honored our country overseas, now this is our opportunity to honor them at home," said Dan Bigelow, Col, USAF (Retired) and chairman of the Dayton Chamber Military Affairs Committee.
"This legislation is exactly what the State of Ohio needs to honor our veterans and ensure a strong economic future for our state," added John McCance, president of the Ohio Air Force Association.
The legislation is expected to receive hearings in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee in the coming weeks.
