Bill targets veterans’ state tax bills

The bill is expected to be up for a floor vote before
Veterans Day.

By MARC KOVAC

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — House Republicans unveiled legislation that would exempt military pensions from state taxation and institute other legal changes they think will assist soldiers and their families.

Speaker Jon Husted, a Republican from Kettering, said he expects the bill to complete the committee process and be in place for a floor vote before Veterans Day on Nov. 11 — more than likely next Wednesday, the last scheduled floor session planned in the chamber in coming weeks.

“No matter where you are on the issue of the war and how it’s being conducted ... everyone supports the troops,” Husted told reporters during a Tuesday press conference.

He added later, “This is a step that we are taking in Ohio to try to send the message to them and to other businesses that might want to locate [here]... that we want you, that we value you, that we want you in our state.”

Husted joined Rep. Ross McGregor, a Republican from Springfield, and leaders from Dayton-area military groups in presenting House Bill 372.

The legislation would eliminate state income taxes on military pensions, saving upward of 38,600 Ohioans a combined $23 million annually, said McGregor, the bill’s primary sponsor.

Ohio is one of 15 states that have not exempted military pensions from state income taxes, he said.

“We actually drive veterans out of the state because we tax their pensions,” Husted said, adding, “We need to do more to keep the work force here.”

Additionally, the bill would provide veterans time to complete license reinstatements or professional continuing education requirements when returning to workplaces from active duty, McGregor said.

And it would allow courts to waive estate-related fees — some up to $500 — for families dealing with probate after the death of a loved one in combat zones, he said.

State Rep. William J. Healy II, a Democrat from Canton, earlier this year sponsored legislation comparable to the latter.

Husted downplayed any perceived slight to Healy, whose bill was recommended for a floor vote in April. It was approved by a committee and was awaiting final action.

Husted said lawmakers consider “good ideas” from various sources and willingly include them in other legislation, as appropriate.

Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican from Ashland, and Gov. Ted Strickland both appear sympathetic with the issues raised in the bill.

Strickland said he has not yet talked to Husted about funding the exemption.

“I think that’s something that we need to talk about,” he said, adding, “We have a [two-year, balanced] budget and we didn’t set aside additional resources for additional spending. So this is something that I’m sure we can work out, but it’s something that we need to talk about and try to identify the appropriate funding mechanism.”

mkovac@dixcom.com