Pawlenty Pushes Tax Breaks For Veterans

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants to give veterans a tax break and other help. The Republican governor outlined a package of 35 initiatives for veterans and soldiers on Monday. Many are ideas that would build on existing programs or have been proposed before. A keystone of his plan would eliminate the state income tax for military pay and pensions.The exemption would save veterans, active-duty troops and survivors of military retirees $25 million a year by 2012. The state used to offer a limited tax exemption for military pensions, but repealed that 20 years ago. Pawlenty says he will ask lawmakers to approve his wish list for veterans next year. He put the combined cost at $51 million.