Legislation aims to help veterans
By WTAQ
DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - A De Pere Republican is introducing a series of legislation aimed at helping Wisconsin's veterans.
Representative Andre Jacque says each of the three bills will assist those who served in a different way.
Jacque claims one bill provides 'sales tax fairness' for veterans' service organizations, such as the American Legion, AMVETS, and VFW.
"It extends the state sales and use tax exemptions to the state organization or department of a national veterans' organization, incorporated by an act of Congress."
The second piece expands the disabled veteran and surviving spouse tax credit.
"Reducing the eligibility threshold to veterans that are at least 70% service-connected disabled and then would pro-rate that disability rate."
Jacque says the third bill offers free military-related license plates to veterans.
"When we have those extra charges, it's for recouping the cost of the design or striking of the plates themselves. In this case, those costs have already been recouped by the state."
While the first bill is expected to have a minimal financial impact on the state, Jacque says the second piece of legislation would likely cost $5,600,000 annually, with the third bill coming in at $100,000 per year.
Jacque believes the bills could receive hearings in Madison next month, with floor action possible in the fall.