Under current law, all pay received by military personnel below the grade of commissioned officer in a combat zone and for up to $500 per month of pay received by commissioned officers is exempt from state income taxes. SB 632 expands this state income tax exemption to reservists serving in Operation Balkan Endeavor.
I am vetoing Sections 42, 43 and 52, in part, to remove an inconsistency between federal and state tax law. Instead, through the adoption of recently enacted federal tax law, pay received would be exempted not only for reservists serving in Operation Balkan Endeavor but broadened to include all military personnel. The Department of Revenue has asked the Legislature to adopt this federal law change by updating its reference to the Internal Revenue Code in Chapter
71, Wis. Stats.
In addition, federal tax law raised the officers pay exemption from $500 per month to the maximum amount of income that could be excluded by enlisted personnel, which is currently, $4,100 per month. Through the partial veto, officers will not be limited to $500 per month but will benefit from the increased pay exclusion under new federal law.
I am a proud supporter of the men and women who serve our country. SB 632 overall provides these men and women with increased opportunities for eligibility for veterans benefits while maintaining proper state tax relief for their service and sacrifice for our country.
Respectfully submitted,
tommy g. Thompson
Governor
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
April 23, 1996
To the Honorable, the Senate:
The following bill(s), originating in the Senate, have been approved, signed and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State:
Sincerely,
TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Governor
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
April 22, 1996
To the Honorable, the Senate:
I have approved
Senate Bill 402 as
1995 Wisconsin Act 274 and have deposited it in the Office of the Secretary of State. I have exercised the partial veto in sections 3m and 30 (3).
Senate Bill 402 increases the legislative oversight of the State Investment Board and creates a more structured management framework. The increased reporting requirements will enable the board to keep fund participants fully informed of the Investment Board's goals, and long-term progress in meeting these goals. An increase in the outside management limit will foster efficiency, and the additional Board member will increase the diversity and experience of the Board.
S772
I am vetoing sections 3m and 30 (3), which pertain to Board officers, because I believe the authority to designate the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Board should reside with the Governor. Under this legislation, the Governor appoints six of the nine Board members, which means that ultimate responsibility for the Board's actions resides with the appointing authority for these positions. Repealing my authority to designate these officers, including the current officers, contradicts the responsibility which comes with appointing a majority of the Board members. Further, a newly elected Governor should have the prerogative to select the chairperson after taking office, rather than relying on the consensus of board members appointed by his or her predecessor.
I support the other provisions of SB 40, and believe it addresses timely issues surrounding risk management and legislative oversight of the Investment Board.
Respectfully submitted,
tommy g. Thompson
Governor
__________________
Relating to requirements for malpractice insurance coverage for advanced practice nurse prescribers.
Submitted by Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Report received from Agency, April 22, 1996.
Referred to committee on Business, Economic Development and Urban Affairs, April 24, 1996
.
__________________
The committee on Health, Human Services and Aging reports and recommends:
Relating to grants for prevention of lead poisoning or exposure to lead.
No action taken.
Carol Buettner
Chairperson
__________________
Chief Clerk's Report
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Bill 478
Senate Bill 632
Presented to the Governor on April 19, 1996.
__________________
Chief Clerk's Report
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Bill 362
Senate Bill 561
Senate Bill 119
Senate Bill 325
Senate Bill 491
Senate Bill 529
Senate Bill 440
Senate Bill 402
Senate Bill 501
Senate Bill 623
Presented to the Governor on April 22, 1996.
__________________
Chief Clerk's Report
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Bill 551
Senate Bill 293
Senate Bill 379
Senate Bill 553
Presented to the Governor on April 24, 1996.