Support S.B. 1210 and H.B. 2373!
Virginia National Guard Service Members continue to face an unprecedented number of mobilizations in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. The continued rigor of military training, mobilizations and deployments take a toll on Service Members. Increasing a tax subtraction adds a benefit layer to encourage continued service beyond their initial entry commitments.
The Commonwealth of Virginia granted a $3,000 Virginia taxable income subtraction to members of the Virginia National Guard in 1994. If indexed to inflation, this amount would equal more than $5,800 in today’s figures.
The Virginia National Guard is in constant competition with neighboring states’ National Guards to recruit and retain qualified Soldiers and Airmen. Neighboring states sometimes offer a more expansive state-derived benefits package. Increasing this state income tax subtraction demonstrates to prospective recruits and those currently serving that Virginia values them!
Furthermore, the cap set at the Federally-recognized Pay Grade of O-3 restricts access to this benefit of some of the more experienced leaders of the Virginia National Guard. The initial entry commitment for a Virginia National Guard officer is six years. In those six years, a well-performing officer can advance to the grade of O-3 but must choose to continue serving beyond that time. Expanding the cap to encompass officers up to the Pay Grade of O-5 encourages the number of experienced leaders to stay and continue service.
The Virginia income tax subtraction constitutes a small loss of tax revenues for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The foregone revenues are offset by maintaining a strong, well-prepared Virginia National Guard capable of rapidly responding to the needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia National Guard Association and the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Associations are the largest advocacy organizations for the Virginia National Guard. Their mission is to be the leading advocates for members and families of the Virginia National Guard by pursing and securing the most effective benefits and resources to help promote world-class service in support of our communities, commonwealth and nation.
Become a Fan of the VNGA on:
- END-
CONTACT: Director of Advocacy, advocacy@vnga.us; President, president@vnga.us