Senate Passes Legislation to Honor Military

A bill providing Oklahoma’s disabled veterans with tax breaks passed the Senate today on a bi-partisan majority vote. Passage of Senate Bill 17, authored by Senator Kenneth Corn, (D-Poteau) completes all portions of Governor Henry’s Operation Homefront Initiative.

Corn said the measure exempts veterans who are 100 percent disabled and their spouses, from paying excise taxes on the vehicles they purchase. The measure also reduces the cost of vehicle registration for disabled veterans from $85 to a ceremonial $1.

“These Oklahomans have made a tremendous sacrifice in the service of our country. They came back tattered and broken, and this group of fine men and women deserve these tax breaks,” Corn said. “It’s the least we can do.”

Corn said the bill also exempts half of all military pensions from the state income tax up to $7,500 and creates a military relief fund by providing a check-off box allowing Oklahomans to donate part of their tax refund to National Guard families needing financial assistance. Corn also explained a floor amendment to
Senate Bill 17, by Senator Don Barrington, (R-Lawton) exempts state income taxes on all compensation paid to any member of the military that is serving on active duty.

“I was happy to work with Govenor Henry to get this legislation passed through the Senate because I believe we must honor those that protect the very freedoms we hold so dear,” Corn said.

The bill now advances to the State House of Representatives for consideration.

All meausures included in Henry’s Operation Homefront Initiative have now passed the Senate. Today’s vote complements legislation passed in the Senate last week that provides Oklahoma’s Reserve and National Guard members a $250,000 life insurance policy.

Senate Bill 821, by Senator Randy Bass, passed the Senate last Thursday with a uninanimous vote.

“Making sure families of those Oklahomans who are killed in the line of duty are treated with the utmost respect is the right thing to do,” Bass said. “It was an honor to work with Senator Corn, the Governor and the all of the Senators to pass these important measures that sends the message to our troops saying we honor their dedication and service.”