Letter to the Editor: Exempting Veteran Retirement Pay from State Income Tax

Every day, I know many Americans think about and thank those who serve our nation to defend our way of life. But Veterans Day gives us an special opportunity to honor veterans from every branch of the armed forces. All those who served made sacrifices to earn the freedom and liberty that we enjoy.

Make no mistake, despite the problems we face, America's greatness continues precisely because of those who have sworn an oath to defend and protect us against all enemies foreign and domestic.
 
On Veterans Day we had an opportunity to reflect upon that heritage and, most importantly, thank veterans for their (very large) role in the greatness of America. Of course, Veterans Day shouldn't be the only day we do this. We owe it to them to be sure that our children, grandchildren, and future generations remember and honor those who put their lives on the line for us - and put their lives on hold.  We owe a huge debt - and we need to be sure that our government follows through on the promises it's made to veterans and find ways to ease the burden on returning and retired veterans. 

One way that Maryland can do this is exempting veteran retirement pay from state income tax.  I've supported that each year I've been in the General Assembly and will continue to do so.  Last session, I was proud to work with Republicans and Democrats on a bill that will help returning military veterans count their experience as professional development or college credit towards entering professions like nursing, electrical engineering, and other careers.  
 
To all veterans, thank you for your service and love of this nation.  May we all have the courage to sacrifice when necessary and do all we can to preserve and protect America.

--Justin Ready

The writer is a State Delegate representing Carroll County