This commentary is by Rep. Lisa Hango, R-Berkshire; Rep. Laura Sibilia, I-Dover; and Sen. Joe Major, D-Windsor.
Vermont is one of the few states that still taxes military retirement and survivor benefits. This outdated policy puts our state out of step with the vast majority of the country and fails to recognize the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. It’s time to change that.
Military service is unlike any other career. Service members and their families make sacrifices that most civilians will never fully understand. They leave behind their homes, face dangerous deployments and live with the physical and emotional tolls of their service. Yet, despite these sacrifices, Vermont continues to tax military pensions and military survivor benefits above a small exemption, unlike every other New England state and our New York neighbors.
It’s not just about fairness; it’s about doing what is right. It’s about keeping our promises to those who have served and made extraordinary sacrifices in service to this state and nation.
H.43 and S.17 are bills that would exempt military retirement and survivor benefits from Vermont’s income tax. These bills are supported by overwhelming bipartisan backing, 75 sponsors in the House and 21 in the Senate, making them two of the most widely supported pieces of legislation in this session. It is clear that the people of Vermont, from all walks of life, believe this is the right thing to do.
It’s time for our legislative leaders to move these bills forward before the crossover deadline. We urge Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth and Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski to take immediate action and ensure that H.43 and S.17 are passed.
We encourage all Vermonters who believe in this cause to pick up the phone or send an email to Sen. Baruth and Speaker Krowinski. Let them know you support H.43 and S.17 and urge them to move these bills forward before the crossover deadline.
This is not a partisan issue. It’s about doing right by our veterans and their families. Let’s honor their service with action, not just words.
Our veterans have done their part. Now it’s time for us to do ours.
