U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) recently applauded the State of Alabama for its newly signed legislation that exempts troops from paying state income tax while deployed or mobilized.
Previously, compensation for active service members of the United States armed forces in a combat zone was not subject to state income tax in Alabama. The new law would expand this exemption to include specific compensation for National Guard and Reserve members deployed to locations outside the United States or activated to support state or federal response to emergencies.
The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) in the Senate and carried in the House by State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville). Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law in May after it passed near-unanimously through the legislature. It is slated to go into effect in January 2025.
Rogers, who chairs the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, issued a statement on Monday, announcing full-fledged support of a law, saying it re-established Alabama’s reputation as the “most military-friendly state in the country.”
“Governor Ivey and our gifted state legislators continue to cement Alabama’s place as the most military-friendly state in the country,” Rogers said. “This law will make a real difference for our troops and their families while they are deployed or mobilized. I want to specifically commend Representative Ed Oliver and Senator Andrew Jones for their tireless efforts as chairmen of the House and Senate committees overseeing military and veterans issues to improve servicemember quality of life in Alabama."
"It is unconscionable that our men and women in uniform are taxed on income earned while they are fighting for our country, and I plan to pursue further income tax exemptions for deployed and mobilized troops at the federal level," he added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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