Thursday, May 23, 2019
National Military Appreciation Month, observed each May, honors current and past members of the United States Armed Forces, including those who lost their lives protecting our nation’s freedom.
Within this month, we also celebrate Memorial Day to pay tribute to America’s fallen military servicemen and women.
As Hoosiers enjoy parades, barbecues and time with family and friends on this day, it's important to stop and remember the significance of this holiday — to recognize the service members who lost their lives fighting for our beloved country.
Our servicemen and women sacrifice so much to protect our country, and it is critical they receive our support when they return home.
Therefore, to make Hoosier communities more accommodating to those who served our country, the Indiana General Assembly passed a variety of legislation during the 2019 legislative session to help support our veterans.
A law passed this session, House Enrolled Act 1010, will provide a full income tax deduction for veterans’ military pension benefits. This law will also serve to attract veterans from outside our state to Indiana upon the conclusion of their service, as these men and women are highly skilled and can be strong assets to our state’s workforce.
Senate Enrolled Act 324 requires the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to design a rearview mirror parking placard for disabled Hoosier veterans. Veterans are also able to move the placard to a different vehicle if they have more than one car or ride with someone else. This placard allows them to park in any metered space free of charge.
Another law passed this year, Senate Enrolled Act 491, will extend the veterans’ Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Pilot Program for an additional year and eliminate the co-pay for participants. This initiative, which was set to end in 2020, will further fund experimental medical treatment that may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
For more information on these bills and others passed during the 2019 legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.
