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Governor Larry Hogan Announces Retirement Income Tax Relief for Veterans
Proposes Legislation to Eliminate State Taxes on All Retirement Income for Military Veterans
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan announced that he will reintroduce legislation in the upcoming 2018 legislative session to eliminate all state income tax on retirement income received as a result of military service. The Hogan administration has introduced similar legislation during the past three legislative sessions, however it has yet to pass in full.
The governor made the announcement at the State House during Veterans Appreciation Month and in advance of the nation’s 99th commemoration of Veterans Day on Saturday. He was joined by Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George W. Owings III; members of the Maryland Veterans Commission, including Chairman Fred Shinbur; Commander Betty Brown of Disabled American Veterans; Maryland Military Officers Association of America President Harvey Kaplan; and Art Cooper, chair of the Senior Citizens League of the Retired Enlisted Association. Also in attendance were representatives of numerous veterans’ organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Order of the Purple Heart, the Fleet Reserve Association, AMVETS, the Vietnam Veterans Association, the Korean War Veterans Association, and the Maryland National Guard.
“There can’t possibly be words adequate enough to express our sincere gratitude, respect, and appreciation to all of our military veterans,” said Governor Hogan. “These heroes make Maryland stronger, and we want to do everything we can to make sure that all of our veterans can continue to live, work, raise a family, and eventually retire, right here.
“Not only is this a deserved benefit for those who have served our country, this bill will also help make Maryland more competitive with other states in our region that already offer this benefit. We cannot afford to lose our veterans to neighboring states.”
Three states bordering Maryland already offer either full or partial tax exemption for military retirement income. Delaware offers partial exemption, while Pennsylvania and West Virginia fully exempt military retirement pay.
This proposed legislation comes on the heels of the governor’s announcement last month that he will introduce a bill to expand the Hometown Heroes Act of 2016, which exempted retired law enforcement and fire, rescue, and emergency response personnel from state income taxes on retirement income, to include correctional officers and exempt all retirement income from state taxes, rather than just the first $15,000.
Since taking office in 2015, Governor Hogan has taken numerous steps to fulfill his commitment to eliminate state income taxes on all retirement income. In 2015, the governor enacted legislation to increase the tax exemption on military retiree pensions from $5,000 to $10,000 for retirees 65 years or older. During the 2016 legislative session, in addition to championing the Hometown Heroes Act, the governor introduced a bill that would have expanded retirement income tax exemption to all military retirement income. Despite the administration’s best efforts, the legislature failed to take action, and the proposed legislation did not make it out of committee.
“Our proposal has been championed by legislators on both sides of the aisle, and the time to act is now,” said Governor Hogan. “It is simply the right thing to do on behalf of those who have done so much for all of us. That is why I am confident that by working together, we can finally pass this critical, much-deserved tax relief for all of our Maryland heroes.”
"As Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, I am honored to stand with Governor Hogan this day and I thank him for standing by his continued commitment to our military retirees,'' said Secretary Owings. "By increasing the military retirement pay tax exemption to 100%, we send yet another message that Maryland is dedicated to being a military friendly state for all veterans who live and retire here."
 Governor Larry Hogan addresses Maryland veterans at press conference held in State House. Photo Credit: Joe Andrucyk
Maryland Salute to Veterans - November is Veterans Appreciation Month
 The Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Office of Tourism invite you to visit your closest Welcome Center to see military-focused exhibits and present your veteran ID to get a Veterans Passport. The passport will allow you to enjoy unique experiences and discounts throughout the state during November. Use #MDVeteransMonth to upload photos of you enjoying your passport privileges.
Read More Here
Veterans Appreciation Month
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 Maryland Veterans Commissioner Joe Smith and MDVA Deputy Secretary Bob Finn
attend kick-off event at a Maryland Welcome Center for Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month
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Business Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Training Summit for Small, Minority and Veteran Owned Businesses - Monday November 13, 2017. (Note there is a fee for this event)
Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith Announces Dissolution of Deceptive Veterans Charity
Maryland Joins 24 States in Settlement
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith and Attorney General Brian Frosh announced that Maryland and 24 other states have approved a settlement with VietNow National Headquarters, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit corporation, resulting in the organization’s dissolution.
Since March 2015, VietNow – which also uses the name VeteransNow – had been raising money using deceptive telemarketing solicitation scripts. In response to the investigation by attorneys general from multiple states, including Maryland, VietNow admitted that it had not funded any programs assisting veterans. In addition, other VietNow scripts claimed that VietNow provided “medical facilities and treatment” to veterans but VietNow’s response identified no such programs. According to VietNow’s own fundraising report, less than 5% of funds raised went to its charitable programs. VietNow reported raising nearly $2 million nationwide.
“Scam artists who falsely claim to help veterans actually harm reputable veterans’ charities who, in fact, provide essential programs and services that support our troops and their families,” said Secretary of State Wobensmith. “We urge potential donors to be wary. These scammers are on the lookout for ways to take advantage of donors, often preying on those who want to help veterans. If you choose to give, please donate to well-established charities. We urge donors to check our website to determine if a charity is eligible to solicit in Maryland. Remember, give wisely and be wary of sketchy charities.”
“Scam veteran charities prey upon the generosity and goodwill of consumers who choose to support our veterans and military families,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Nationwide, we’ve stopped yet another sham charity from defrauding the public.”
The settlement appoints a receiver to dissolve VietNow and also obtains injunctive relief against VietNow’s directors and officers. The settlement also requires their cooperation in investigations of VietNow’s professional fundraisers. Upon dissolution, VietNow’s remaining funds will be paid to two national and well-respected veterans’ charities, Fisher House Foundation and Operation Homefront.
About the Office of the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State registers and regulates charitable organizations and their professional solicitors who operate in Maryland. Together with the assistance of the Maryland Attorney General, the Secretary of State enforces Maryland’s charitable giving laws to ensure that donations are used for their intended purpose. Maryland donors may visit http://sos.maryland.gov/Charity/Pages/Giving-Wisely.aspx on the Secretary of State’s website for tips on how to give wisely to charities.
Any questions about the settlement can be directed to Josaphine B. Yuzuik, Assistant Attorney General at (410) 260-3855.
Individuals who think that they may have been a victim of a deceptive or illegal charitable solicitation, may call the Charities and Legal Services Division, Secretary of State’s Office at 410-974-5521 or 1-800-825-4510.
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