California is home to 1.8 million military veterans, representing 8% of the total population of American veterans. However, over the next years veterans will leave California based on concerns about our state’s cost of living or because they are attracted to incentives provided by other states for veterans. According to a report and recommendations from the Governor’s Military Council, State leaders should explore appropriate ways to incentivize veterans to stay in California.

By exempting military retirement pay from state income tax, California will join 16 other states like Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts that provide these benefits.

California Assemblyman William Brough has announced legislation that would exempt military retirement pay from state income tax for veterans who are residents in California. Assembly Bill 427 would incentivize veterans to stay in California. We should do our part to not only give back to our veterans, but to attract future veterans to keep their skills here in the Golden State.

AB 427 will have its first bill hearing soon. By signing this petition, I support this legislation and urge your support to keep our veterans here in California.