Prioritizing Minnesota Veterans
It is safe to say this was one of the most successful two years we’ve had in recent history in terms of prioritizing veterans. Under Speaker Daudt’s leadership, House Republicans passed a number of veteran-focused legislation, including one of the largest veteran tax cuts in state history. The provision fully exempts all military pensions from state income taxes. A veteran with 20 years of experience could receive up to $2,000 each year from exempting military retirement pay.
This is a game-changer for our veterans and for Minnesota.
There are two million retired military members in America today, but Minnesota is home to less than 1 percent of them. This tax relief will encourage more veterans to remain in Minnesota when they retire, and help the state attract retiring veterans from other states as well.
In addition to the pension exemption, Rep. Daudt and House Republicans passed a bill to put a veteran designation on the state driver’s license—meaning veterans may not have to carry their military ID card to take advantage of the various veteran discounts and benefits that some places offer.
The governor signed both of these measures into law in 2016.
There is still more we can do to help those who have served. The vetoed tax bill House Republicans hope to re-pass during a special session includes an expansion of the military service tax credit lifting the income threshold from $30,000 to $50,000 and boosting the overall credit from $750 to $1000.
In addition, in 2015, Rep. Daudt and the legislature:
- Increased funding for health care in veteran homes.
- Put reforms in place to help veterans get an education, a job or start a business.
- Made it easier for veterans to track down their DD214s or discharge documents.
- Created a new holiday to honor sacrifices of families and spouses of military members and veterans
You can read a full list of veteran-related accomplishments here.
Rep. Daudt has worked hard to improve Minnesota veterans’ quality of life and show gratitude for their sacrifices. He will continue to build on the great progress the House has made for Minnesota veterans.