Centerpiece of Branstad's 2014 legislative plan to be signed; Home Base Iowa Act will work to match veterans with quality, high-paying careers in Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the centerpiece of their 2014 legislative plan, the Home Base Iowa Act, will be signed into law on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014, at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa.
In his 2014 Condition of the State address, Branstad said, "This session, the centerpiece of my agenda is Home Base Iowa. It is a bipartisan jobs plan focusing on recruiting service members to Iowa and matching them with good, high paying careers. [...] Our veterans have risked their lives defending our freedom. To show our gratitude, let's make Iowa the leader in respect, support and opportunity for veterans."
Branstad and Reynolds launched the Home Base Iowa initiative in November of 2013 at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge. He named Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's CEO Bob Myers the co-chairs on the initiative.
In January, the Iowa Business Council announced a goal of hiring 2,500 veterans. In March, Greene County became the first "Home Base Iowa Community."
The Home Base Iowa Act does the following:
- Fully exempts military pensions from state income tax, putting Iowa on more equal footing with states such as Florida and Texas, and our Midwestern neighbors such as Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, the bill fully exempts military survivor benefits from state income tax.
- Iowa's licensing boards will adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
- Allows private-sector companies to follow the public sector's lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
- Eliminates the special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service.
In addition, Branstad will sign Senate File 2352, an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.
The bill signings will occur in conjunction with annual Memorial Day observance and breakfast at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Camp Dodge.
The following events are open to credentialed members of the media:
Monday, May 26, 2014
8:10 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend the singing of the National Anthem
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Camp Dodge
Johnston, IA
8:20 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend gun salute
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Camp Dodge
Johnston, IA
8:35 a.m. Gov. Branstad signs the Home Base Iowa Act into law
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Camp Dodge
Johnston, IA
Note: A mult-box will be available for the media.
Senate File 303 an Act relating to veterans, military service members, and certain survivor beneficiaries and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.
Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.
For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit www.HomeBaseIowa.org.
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