As the Paso Robles summer heat slowly creeps in, so do the changes to Veterans’ benefits and rights.
Did you know that every state has a VFW Legislative Committee? Did you know that, as one of the largest states in the nation, California’s legislative team of seven tries to meet with at least 52 members of Congress or their staff during its annual trip to Washington, D.C.? This three-and-a-half-day trip is challenging when it comes to logistics, securing appointments, and conveying the message to our elected officials that our veterans matter and that every veteran deserves nothing but the very best after serving our great nation.
You may or may not have heard about many of the bills or pieces of legislation presented at the national level. However, we can assure you that each one is important. Some of the issues we advocate for have been on the legislative docket for many years. All of this serves as a reminder that we must continue to push for and advocate on behalf of veterans and the benefits they have earned.
As our National VFW Commander Carol Whitmore stated in her testimony before Congress, “When some suggest that Veterans’ benefits are too expensive, let us be clear: this is the cost of war.” Few statements better capture the importance of protecting Veterans’ benefits.
If you are a civilian and have never served this great nation, you may think you don’t have a voice in this fight, but you do. The VFW regularly provides Action Alerts, giving citizens an opportunity to contact their elected officials and advocate on behalf of our veterans (see the links below).
Veterans receive different benefits depending on the state in which they live. Unfortunately, California has struggled in several areas to provide benefits that some veterans find more favorable in other states. One trend many have noticed is that veterans continue to leave California. Between pensions being taxed, high property taxes, and concerns about the quality and accessibility of VA services, many veterans have chosen to relocate to states such as Texas, Tennessee, and Idaho, just to name a few.
What many people fail to realize is that the VFW is far more than just a club — or even a canteen (bar). We sponsor youth essay competitions with cash awards (visit our website for more information), host Taco Takeovers, advocate for legislation that benefits veterans, connect veterans with our VSO partners for assistance with VA claims, and, above all, provide camaraderie.
Our hope is that these monthly articles help our community better understand who we are, what we strive to accomplish for our veterans, and how each of us can make a difference in the lives of those who have served.
Below is a summary of a current California bill that has been amended and is now moving forward in hopes of providing even greater benefits for our veterans.
Summary: The Personal Income Tax Law, in conformity with federal income tax laws, defines “gross income” as income from whatever source derived, except as specifically excluded. Current law provides several exclusions from gross income, including, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2030, an exclusion of up to $20,000 in military retirement pay received by qualified taxpayers, as well as an exclusion of up to $20,000 in Survivor Benefit Plan annuity payments received by qualified taxpayers. Existing law also establishes income limitations for those who qualify.
This bill would annually adjust those income limits for inflation, increase the maximum exclusion from $20,000 to $40,000, and extend the exclusion through taxable years beginning before January 1, 2037. The bill also contains additional related provisions and technical amendments.
Reading legislation isn’t always fun, and to be honest, it isn’t always my favorite thing to do, especially because, seriously … who writes like that? Am I right?
All kidding aside, if you’re looking for something meaningful to do during the summer, take a few minutes to learn about the legislation affecting our veterans and respond to an Action Alert. Below are links and resources where you can become better informed and help us advocate for the rights and benefits that come with the true cost of war.
Voter Voice
VFW Legislation
