Email to: 

Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Members:

• Mike A. Gipson (Chair): (916) 319-2065 assemblymember.gipson@assembly.ca.gov

• Tri Ta (Vice Chair): (916) 319-2070 assemblymember.ta@assembly.ca.gov

• Jasmeet Kaur Bains: (916) 319-2035 assemblymember.bains@assembly.ca.gov

• Carl DeMaio: (916) 319-2075 assemblymember.demaio@assembly.ca.gov

• Robert Garcia: (916) 319-2050 assemblymember.garcia@assembly.ca.gov

• Tina S. McKinnor: (916) 319-2061 assemblymember.mckinnor@assembly.ca.gov

• Sharon Quirk-Silva: (916) 319-2067 assemblymember.quirk-silva@assembly.ca.gov

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The Honorable Members of the Assembly Committee on Revenue & Taxation
Chair: Assemblymember Mike Gipson
California State Assembly
1020 N Street, Room 167A

Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Support for Governor's Military Retirement Tax Exemptions AB-53

Dear Assemblymember Gipson,

I am writing to express my strong support for Assembly Bill 53 (Ramos), which aligns with Governor Newsom’s 2025-2026 budget proposal to provide tax relief for military retirees and their families. AB 53 seeks to exempt up to $20,000 of military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities from state income taxes, marking an important first step toward aligning California with other states that offer similar exemptions. This measure is essential to making California a more attractive place for military retirees to live and contribute.

However, the veteran's community recognizes the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) comments regarding the modest nature of the benefit, and I have suggestions that could strengthen AB 53 to support military retirees in California better.

To maximize the economic and workforce benefits of AB 53, I urge the Governor and Legislature to consider the following adjustments:

1. Future Exemption Increases: Increase the exemption by an additional $10,000 in the 2026-2027 budget, raising the total to $30,000. This phased approach will help California retain skilled veterans who provide essential expertise in critical industries, particularly as the workforce faces the retirement of Baby Boomers.
2. Increased Income Limits: Raise income limits to $300,000 (joint) and $150,000 (single) to reflect California's high cost of living. This adjustment ensures more military retirees and their families can benefit, supporting middle-class households and strengthening California’s economy. The economic activity generated by retaining these individuals will likely offset the tax revenue loss.
3. Extend the Study Period: Extend the study period from 5 to 10 years to gather comprehensive data on the long-term impact of this policy on military retiree retention. An extended study will provide more accurate insights into workforce retention and economic contributions.

These adjustments will enhance the effectiveness of AB 53, ensuring that California remains competitive in attracting and retaining military retirees while supporting the state’s economic growth and workforce development.

Thank you for considering this important issue. We look forward to working together to strengthen this initiative.

Sincerely,

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