Berkeley Pols Support Untaxing Military Combat Pay In NJ

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley officials voted to support a New Jersey bill that would remove taxation from military pay for service in combat zones. Mayor Carmen F. Amato and Berkeley Township Council passed a resolution June 24 putting their support on record.

The New Jersey bill excludes state taxation from military pay for service in combat zones, as well as for hospitalization due to injuries while serving in a combat zone. If passed, the bill would apply to taxable years beginning in 2020.

See the full bill.

Berkeley official voted to send their documented support of the bill to Governor Phil Murphy and officials in the Third, Ninth and 10th Districts. New Jersey's bill advanced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approval.

Berkeley Township includes a high population of veterans. Councilman James J. Byrnes served in Vietnam as a medic in the 82nd Airborne. Byrnes, who received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, favored Berkeley's resolution.

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