South Carolina Governor proposes tax cuts for vets, first responders

LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP/WPDE) — South Carolina’s governor is proposing tax cuts for veterans and first responders.

Gov. Henry McMaster said Friday he wants to exempt military, law enforcement, firefighter and peace officer retirement from state income tax.

“There’s no way we will ever be able to repay these men and women in uniform for the true value they add to our state and our community, but this is one example of how we can show our gratitude and appreciation for their service,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “This income tax exemption on retirement pay will reaffirm the unwavering commitment of South Carolinians to these people who have chosen to serve.”

The tax cuts would amount to about a $524 in savings for military retirees under 65 and $210 a year for those 65 and older.

Savings for law enforcement, firefighters and peace officers would be about $713 a year if under 65 and $102 a year if 65 or older.

McMaster says he has included the cuts in his 2018-19 budget. The proposal would amount to a $22.6 million tax cut in the first year and would have to be approved by the General Assembly.

Several military members, service members and state officials have already expressed their gratitude to McMaster.

Maj. Gen. Robert Livingston, Jr., Adjutant General of South Carolina said, “We command troops that do great things for the people of South Carolina and for people across this nation, so thank you for recognizing that sacrifice. The other thing, as a long-term citizen of South Carolina, that I’m excited about is the economic prospect of bringing people into South Carolina for retirement. … Thank you, governor for your leadership and for your commitment to propelling this great state forward.”

“This is important, not just to recruit new people to our profession, but to retain those who have dedicated their lives to it so they can pass on the knowledge, skills, and abilities to the next generation of firefighters…I thank him for the commitment he has shown to our community and look forward to working with him for many years,” said South Carolina’s State Fire Marshal, Jonathan Jones.