Senator Riley Files Legislation to Benefit Oklahoma’s Military Personnel

Senator Nancy Riley has once again filed legislation that will increase the amount an individual serving in the Armed Forces can take as an income tax deduction.

Under current law, the $1,500 of the salary an individual receives from any component of the military may be taken as an income tax deduction. Provisions of Senate Bill 46 would increase the tax deduction amount to $3,000, if the bill passes the legislative hurdles during the upcoming session.

“For the past three years I have carried this same piece of legislation and am hopeful that this year SB 46 will make it through the process,” said the Republican legislator from Tulsa. “Oklahoma’s military personnel work on a daily basis to protect our state as well as our country and they deserve the benefit of this legislation.”

Governor Brad Henry recently unveiled a plan to aid the members of the Oklahoma National Guard and Air National Guard as well as their family members. The plan has been coined “Operation Homefront” and would include tax relief and the purchase of a $250,000 life insurance policy for every member of the state Nation Guard and Air National Guard. Senate democratic leaders also endorse the Governor’s plan.

Senator Glenn Coffee, Senate Minority Leader, has also introduced legislation that will ensure that absentee ballots are properly counted during an election.

“It appears that I am not the only one concerned with Oklahoma’s men and women fighting to protect our country. Governor Henry has announced a plan that will benefit Oklahoma’s military personnel and I would like to see SB 46 to make it to his desk to ensure that those serving in the armed forces receive the tax benefits they deserve,” stated Riley. “They are working for our government and it is time that the government does something in their honor.”