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Darien's Leone, Duff Back Major Tax Cut For Veterans

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — State Sen. Carlo Leone (D-Stamford/Darien) and Senate Democrats last Tuesday unveiled their plan to deliver a major tax break for retired veterans by providing a 100 percent exemption from the state income tax on federally taxable military retirement pay. 

State Sen. Carlo Leone

State Sen. Carlo Leone

Photo Credit: File

Current law in Connecticut provides for a 50 percent exemption of state taxes in federal retirement pay to retired members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Army and Air National Guard.

“Nearly 11,000 veterans in Connecticut benefit from the current partial tax exemption we offer,” Leone said. “As a veteran and former chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’ve seen the economic challenges that retired military personnel can face. This legislation will give additional economic relief to veterans, providing financial security for those living on fixed incomes and an incentive for those transitioning from military to civilian life to grow their families here in Connecticut.” 

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk/Darien) backs the plan. 

“Most people would like to retire in a state where they can get the most bang for their buck, and military retirees are no different in that regard,” said Duff. "This bill will make Connecticut a more attractive option for our retiring veterans.” 

Many other states already offer a full exemption for military retirement pay. Of the states with an income tax, 13 offer a 100 percent exemption, including Massachusetts and New York. The existing Connecticut exemption benefits for veteran taxpayers in Connecticut resulted in $3.9 million in lost revenue in fiscal year 2014 and $4 million in fiscal year 2015.

“In the next five years, through 2020, approximately 1.5 million combat veterans will leave active service (nationwide),” said Michael J. Zacchea, retired lieutenant colonel in the Marines.

Greg Smith, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Connecticut, agreed.

“The young men and women who join our nation’s military services do not in general do so with even a brief thought about someday being a retired soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine,” Smith said. 

“For those of us who chose a full military career, I assure you we envisioned no pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It is no secret that military pay and pensions are low, and thus very worthy of efforts at protection. The Veterans of Foreign Wars thanks the Senate Democrats for recognizing the value military retirees bring to communities throughout Connecticut.”

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