House Republican Press Release

January 23, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. FREY PROPOSES LEGISLATION FOR CONNECTICUT’S ENLISTED MILITARY AND VETERANS

State Representative John Frey, R-111^th District has introduced two bills this session to help our active and retired military. The bills have been referred to the General Assembly’s Select Committee on Veterans’Affairs.

Rep. Frey’s first proposal is to exempt the motor vehicle from the personal property tax for any active enlisted military or active national guardsmen during a declared time of war. Currently, a vehicle is exempt if garaged out of state. For convenience, the bill would allow the vehicle to be kept at a family home in Connecticut instead of forcing the active duty soldiers to garage their cars out of state.

“The Connecticut soldiers fighting overseas deserve some kind of break for their heroic bravery. I believe this legislation provides a little relief for soldiers in harms way,” Rep. Frey said.

Additionally, Rep. Frey has proposed exempting the first $20,000 of a veteran’s military pension.

“Connecticut is one of only four states that offers no exemption on any kind of pension income. Many of our seniors in the state are living on fixed incomes. Beyond an occasional cost of living increase, most retirees’ incomes are unlikely to increase drastically.”

“State pension taxes cost Connecticut seniors and veterans millions of dollars each year, Representative Frey said. This proposal would help show the state’s admiration for those who serve in the military.”