Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: February 17, 2009
Senator Steve Russell
Senate Passes Bill to Provide Military with
State Income Tax Exemption
Under legislation passed Tuesday by the Senate Finance
Committee, Oklahoma military personnel could soon get some tax
relief. Senate Bill 881 by Sen. Steve
Russell would exempt state military pay from state income
taxes.
“Our military service men and women are grossly underpaid
and this is one thing we can do to help ease their financial burden,”
said Russell, R-Oklahoma City. “They sacrifice so much for
our country and for those around the world that can’t fight
for themselves. This would be just a small token of our appreciation
for their hard work and dedication.”
Oklahoma has the second highest military recruitment in the nation
per capita, but Russell points out that a great many military
personnel change their citizenship at the first opportunity because
of the state’s tax rates.
There are currently 16 states including Nevada, Illinois and New
York that exempt their military from paying income taxes.
“We can do more for our military. We often say that nothing
is too good for our troops in Oklahoma and now we have the opportunity
not just to talk a good talk about our soldiers, but actually
do something for them.”
SB 881 will now go before the full Senate.
For more information contact:
Sen. Russell's Office: 405-521-5618
