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Freeholder Supports Tax Break For Troops Serving Out Of State
TOMS RIVER - Freeholder Gerry P. Little is supporting a bi-partisan effort to award tax breaks to New Jersey servicemen and servicewomen serving out of state. Little sent a letter of support to Assemblyman Michael J. Panter, D- Monmouth, who recently introduced legislation that would exempt New Jersey troops not stationed in the Garden State from paying state income tax.
"It makes perfect sense," Little said. "These troops are not living here and they are not working here, so why should they pay income tax to New Jersey."
The exemption would save new recruits and lower ranking soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines between $250 and $350 a year.
While federal law already exempts troops stationed in designated combat zones from paying income tax, the Panter bill would go a step further.
"For every man or woman in harm's way on the front lines of Iraq or Afghanistan, there are dozens of troops providing
the supplies and support for our
combat operations," Little said. "No matter if they are stationed
in California or Germany, they should not have to pay income taxes in New Jersey. "
Little said the measure may come under fire from critics who say that New Jersey is still battling a budget crisis and cannot afford to lose the tax money paid by our active duty soldiers.
"Early estimates find the legislation
would cost the state
just $9 million a year," he said. "Compare that to the $300 million 'Christmas tree' list of pet projects
put forth by legislators this budget year." Little said similar tax exemptions have already been enacted in 14 other states.
Little praised Panter for taking the lead and introducing the tax break bill. "Your efforts show a true commitment to our brave men and women in uniform. This is especially appreciated in Ocean County, where we have the largest population of veterans in the state," Little said. "As liaison to the county Veteran's Service Bureau, I again want to personally thank you for leading the charge and introducing this vital piece of legislation."
The preceding story was a press release issued by the Ocean County Department of Public Affairs.
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