In this session of North Dakota’s legislature there was a bill, HB 1418 specifically, introduced to extend a state tax deduction ofor military pa currently enjoyed by veterans over the age of 50 to veterans of all ages.  Meaning that veterans just returning from Iraq and Afghanistan could get some tax relief from their military pay.

It’s the least we can do for them given their service to this state and the country, right?

Well it looks like the legislators on the Finance and Taxation Committee put a “do not pass” recommendation on the bill (page 393 of the House journal) as it goes to the House floor for a vote.  The committee vote was 8 in favor of the “do not pass” and 5 not in favor with 1 legislator not voting.

I don’t have a record of who voted for what, but these are the legislators on the committee:

(R) Wesley R. Belter - Chairman
(R) David Drovdal - Vice Chairman
(R) Mike Brandenburg
(D) Rodney J. Froelich
(R) Glen Froseth
(R) Bette Grande
(R) Craig Headland
(D) Scot Kelsh
(R) Mark S. Owens
(D) Louis Pinkerton
(D) Arlo Schmidt
(D) Benjamin A. Vig
(R) Dave Weiler
(R) Dwight Wrangham

North Dakotans can get the contact information for these legislators by clicking here, which is something I’d recommend.  I think we, as citizens, deserve an explanation as to why our veterans can’t get some tax relief in exchange for everything they do for us.  I’d also recommend clicking that link, finding your representative, and urging them to vote in favor of this bill when it comes up on the floor of the House.