One proposed piece of legislation will improve access to health care for veterans by providing a tax incentive for health care providers to participate in the TRICARE system.
(SALEM) - Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) announced several legislative achievements regarding veterans’ services this week.
House Joint Memorial 14, urging the United States Congress to reform the retirement pay system for the National Guard and military reserves, passed the Oregon House of Representatives with a unanimous vote on April 19th. Under current law, members of the National Guard and reserves who are forced to retire at age 55 are not eligible to receive retirement pay until age 62. The proposed changes to the law would allow veterans who reach the age of mandatory retirement to begin receiving pay and benefits immediately. House Joint Memorial 14 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 3197 received its first public hearing in the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. This bill would improve access to health care for veterans by providing a tax incentive for health care providers to participate in the TRICARE system.
Also receiving its first public hearing, House Bill 3202 would revise the existing tax deductions for wages earned by members of the Armed Forces. The amount deductible has remained static for over 30 years, while inflation has steadily driven the cost of living upwards. House Bill 3202 brings the deduction more in-line with current economic realities for our troops. In addition, House Bill 3202 would provide new tax incentives for employees of the Oregon Military Department who work with the Oregon Youth Challenge Program, an alternative school for at-risk youth and teens facing special educational challenges.
House Bill 3197 and House Bill 3202 are scheduled for an additional public hearing and possible work session on April 24th.
Legislation Will Help Oregon’s VeteransSalem-News.com