One of my greatest joys in being a lawmaker is being able to stand with my colleagues and pass meaningful legislation that will have a positive impact on Missourians. This week, the Missouri Senate gave final approval to legislation intended to make Missouri a more military-friendly state. I have the utmost respect for our military, and I am proud to be a veteran.
Senate Bill 573 allows for a state income tax deduction for certain military personnel. In 2016, lawmakers passed a bill that allows military income to be deducted from the service member’s adjusted gross income. Senate Bill 573 continues that income tax deduction, and it allows members of the National Guard and Army Reserve to also deduct their earned income during active military service. By the year 2030, income earned from active military service will be 100 percent deductible. This is especially important to the large military presence in the 33rd Senatorial District. Our close proximity to Fort Leonard Wood allows service members and their families the flexibility of living in the district without having to spend hours traveling to and from the base for work.
Senate Bill 573 also contains the following provisions:
- Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) flags.
- If a state building does not possess a POW/MIA flag, the Board of Public Buildings shall reach out to local veterans’ organizations to obtain a donated flag.
- Expands the Show-Me Heroes program by extending the period of time in which a family may receive services under the program from one year following discharge from deployment to five years.
- Establishes the Veterans’ Bill of Rights; and
- Also establishes the Missouri Military Community Reinvestment Program Act.
I am pleased to be able to repay our service men and women in some small part for their willingness to serve our state and our country.
A number of other bills passed the Senate this week, but none that have a significant impact on the 33rd Senatorial District.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.