After reading "Your Opinion," I felt compelled to give my opinion. I had no intentions of returning to Minnesota after the Air Force but I have been here since 1997 and looking forward to leaving this state due to the over taxation and I refer to the military pension being taxed. There are currently eight states that tax military retirement. While I agree that firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line for the public it must be pointed out at the end of the day they can go home. They can also quit their job at any time.
The weather plays a very small part in choosing where to retire after a military career. I spoke with a St. Cloud police officer who is a fairly recent retired Marine. He is here because his wife is from Minnesota. He did not want to come here because during his retirement outbriefing, when he mentioned he was going to Minnesota, the NCO conducting the outbriefing pointed out to him that Minnesota is one of the worst states for military referees to live in and have a second career.
Eight percent is the average of military retirees returning to their home state. This state comes in at 4 percent. If more military retirees came back here that translates to more money being spent. The money collected in taxes would surely be spent as we are like everyone else, why save when it can be spent?
House speaker Kurt Daudt's thoughts are "right on" and kudos to Sen. Paul Gazelka and Rep. Josh Heintzeman for their support of the military.
Last thought: I am quite sure this is the same opinion with a few minor changes that was published during the Pawlenty administration.
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Kevin S. Oslin
Proud Air Force retiree
Onamia
