INDIANAPOLIS — Over 300 present and former army members got here to the Indiana Statehouse Tuesday to advocate for insurance policies that may enhance their high quality of life. On the high of that record is to now not pay revenue taxes on army revenue.
“We’ve numerous reservists and Guard within the state of Indiana,” James Bauerle, an Army Veteran and the Legislative Chair of the Navy Veterans Coalition of Indiana, stated. “We’ve lots of people who be a part of the army and go on energetic obligation. Folks will then depart the state as a result of Indiana taxes the whole lot over $5,000 of army revenue.”
For years, veterans have been advocating for insurance policies to higher enhance their lives. Home Invoice 1034 would exempt army revenue from Indiana revenue tax.
Bauerle says the invoice wants to incorporate extra than simply energetic members of the army.
“We wish the identical factor that the Guard will get for reserve army members, ” Bauerle stated.
Different army teams wish to see the legislature permit veteran organizations to have video gaming machines. They are saying this coverage would permit veteran organizations to remain open by creating extra income. Holding the doorways open for American Legions and different veteran organizations have confirmed troublesome that previous few years.
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Additionally they need the legislature to present veterans free entrance to Indiana State Parks, one thing they really feel will assist higher the psychological well being of present and former army members. They’d prefer to see a modification to school tuition payment exemptions as properly.
Veterans like Bauerle say they’ll get behind that if reserve members are included.
“Indiana has state legislation that pays for faculty tuition for those that be a part of the Indiana Nationwide Guard,” Bauerle stated. “Those that be a part of the reserves get nothing from the state. That’s incorrect.”
Veterans like Rhonda Seward hope the state will proceed recognizing girls within the army by designating June 12 as Ladies Veterans Recognition Day.
“Right this moment girls are in infantry models, girls are in numerous branches of the army service and they’re doing new jobs and new issues,” Seward stated. “I simply need them to get that recognition for his or her contributions.”
In line with the Navy Veterans Coalition of Indiana, all of the states that border Indiana exempt army associated revenue from revenue taxes.
Home Invoice 1034 has been referred to the Veterans Affairs and Public Security Committee, which meets on Wednesday.
To learn extra in regards to the VFW’s 4 important legislative priorities, click on right here. To learn extra in regards to the Navy Veterans Coalition of Indiana’s priorities, click on right here.
