LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts pitched his proposed tax exemption for military retirees to a legislative committee on Friday, saying it would help Nebraska compete for them when they start new careers.
The Republican governor's measure would expand Nebraska's current, 50% tax exemption on military retiree pay that was passed last year.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer, of Gordon, who said he sees it as a workforce development issue. Brewer, a veteran, said many military retirees use their highly specialized skill and security clearances to move on to high-paying civilian jobs that would benefit Nebraska.
No one spoke against the measure during a hearing before the Legislature's Revenue Committee, although some senators asked about carving out tax exemptions for specific groups of people. Ricketts argued that military retirees are different because they served their country and are highly productive workers.
Committee members took no immediate action on the bill.