Missouri Gov. Blunt Announces Tax Cut Plan for Missouri Veterans

January 7, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Governor Blunt today called for the fourth major tax cut since he took office, visiting with veterans around the state to announce his tax cut plan to benefit tens of thousands of Missouri’s military heroes. Gov. Blunt last year enacted tax cuts including ending the tax on Social Security, allowing Missourians to deduct the cost of their health care premiums and a tax cut to protect manufacturing jobs in Missouri.

“The tax cut I am recommending will be the fourth significant tax cut to benefit Missouri families since I took office,” Gov. Blunt said. “Our state and nation has been blessed with Missourians whose patriotic spirit led them to wear the uniforms of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to defend our freedom and security, and ending the tax on their military retirement is another way we can honor their service and sacrifice.”

“The VFW has been an advocate of Veterans benefits for over 100 years. As a
VFW member, I support all efforts that benefits Veterans. I further hope our state legislature will support the Governor’s effort to give tax relief to Veterans. We at VFW Post 3944 welcome Governor Matt Blunt and his efforts to assist Veterans,” Sr. Vice Commander Edward Daly said.

“The veterans of Missouri thank Governor Matt Blunt for his proposal to honor the service men and women of our state. Thank you Governor for your support,” said Marvin Flynn, quarter master at VFW Post 2508.

“Gov. Blunt, from a retired military officer I thank you for your foresight in proposing this legislation. As the first president of the United State once said, ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.’ Once again thank you,” said Jim Miller, commander, Post 55 American Legion.

Of the 41 states that have an income tax, 12 states do not tax military pensions. They are Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Gov. Blunt is urging the General Assembly to honor the sacrifices made by Missouri’s military veterans by eliminating all state taxes on their military retirement. The retirement benefits they have earned represent more than ordinary work, they represent a special sacrifice and commitment to our country.

Gov. Blunt is committed to reducing the tax burden for Missouri families. Last year the governor signed Speaker Rod Jetton’s legislation ending the cut on Social Security for all Missouri seniors. The legislation also provides tax relief for teachers, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, federal employees and railroad workers.

Gov. Blunt also eased the tax burden on Missouri families by signing tax cuts to allow Missourians to deduct the cost of their health insurance premiums. Legislation the governor signed last year cuts taxes by allowing Missourians to deduct costs for health insurance premiums from their adjusted gross income. The measure will help lower the cost of health insurance for Missouri families.

Gov. Blunt also enacted a tax cut to protect manufacturing jobs in Missouri. The tax cut signed by Gov. Blunt authorizes a state sales tax exemption for the cost of all energy sources, machinery, equipment and other materials used in the manufacturing, processing, compounding or production of a product and research and development related to manufacturing.

Source: Missouri Governor

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