Kettle Bill Would Exempt Military Pensions from Income Tax

Senator Nicholas D. Kettle, (R-Dist. 21, Coventry, Foster, Scituate, West Greenwich), has introduced legislation that would exempt military pensions from Rhode Island state income tax.

“People who gave service to our country and defended our liberties deserve this kind of tax break,” Kettle said in a statement. “This is something we can do to honor our veterans and keep them from moving to states that do not tax military pensions.” Neighboring Massachusetts, he noted, does not tax military retirement income.

Senator Marc Cote, (D-Dist. 24, North Smithfield, Woonsocket), who co-sponsored the legislation, echoed Kettle’s comments.

“This is a way that we can keep Rhode Island competitive and make it more attractive to military retirees,” Cote said.

Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere, (R-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown), who also co-sponsored the bill, said the bill is long overdue and will benefit deserving military retirees.

2015-S 111 now heads to the Senate Committee on (Finance) for consideration.