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SALT LAKE CITY — A House committee on Friday voted to study over the summer a bill that would provide tax exemptions on military retirement payments.
Bill sponsor Rep. Lee Perry, R-Perry, said although the bill had a large $17 million fiscal note, it was expected to bring the state far more revenue by attracting more military retirees to the state.
Retired Air Force Col. Mike Dunn said that when he retired after 28 years of military service in 1997, he was advised not to retire in Utah because it is one of only 16 states that taxes military retirement payments.
The committee expressed concern about the potential hit to income tax revenue, which funds Utah's public education.
"You're asking us to choose between our veterans and our school children," said Rep. Jeremy Peterson, R-Ogden and the committee's vice chairman.
Opponents to the bill expressed concerns that it would create a special designation and wondered if firefighters and law enforcement officers should receive an exemption as well.
Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, said although he supports veterans and meant no disrespect, he appreciates the value of taxes.
"I'd like it if occasionally we acknowledged in our position as lawmakers the value of taxes and the contribution they make to the quality of our lives, both individually and as a society here in the state of Utah."
— Emily Larson
