DES MOINES – Gov. Terry E. Branstad on Monday signed the Home Base Iowa Act into law at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. In addition, Branstad signed Senate File 2352 providing an additional homestead credit for disabled veterans. He said the bill will attract veterans to Iowa and match them with quality, high-paying jobs.
“Our bipartisan Home Base Iowa plan will work to match veterans with high-paying careers in Iowa,” said Branstad. “These men and women have fought for our country, and acquired unique skillsets and training in the military. Now, with the Home Base Iowa plan signed into law, Iowa stands ready to welcome them to our communities and match them with the quality jobs across the state.”
The Home Base Iowa Act is one part of the overall Home Base Iowa initiative, a first-of-its-kind program developed to honor our country’s veterans by recruiting them, and active duty service members, for private-sector job opportunities in Iowa. Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey’s CEO Bob Myers, both veterans, serve as the co-chairs of the initiative.
“As Governor Branstad and I travel across Iowa, we talk with Iowa businesses that are in need of qualified workers, “Reynolds said. “Our veterans possess the skills necessary to fill integral roles in important industries and we look forward to when they call Iowa home.”
Now signed into law, the bill fully exempts military pensions from state income tax, putting Iowa on more equal footing with states such as Florida and Texas, and our Midwestern neighbors such as Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, the bill fully exempts military survivor benefits from state income tax.
Iowa’s licensing boards will adopt rules allowing credit for military training and experience in the licensing process.
Private-sector companies are no allowed to follow the public sector’s lead by allowing a preference in hiring and promoting veterans.
Special plate issuance fees charged for plates associated with military service will be eliminated.
As an added bonus, eligibility for the Military Homeownership Assistance Program, which provides $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Additional funding for the program is provided in a separate appropriations bill.
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