SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1002

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 24, 2020

      The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1002.

      This bill establishes a gross income tax credit for the amount of postage taxpayers pay the United States Postal Service to send parcels as priority mail to individuals serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard at military installations in the United States or abroad.

      Homesickness frequently befalls members of the Armed Forces and the National Guard while serving their country afield.  To boost their morale, many send military personnel packages with cherished items from back home.  The cost of postage can strain the ability of the home front to take care of those stationed or deployed afield.  In allowing a tax credit for certain postage expenses, this bill removes a cost-prohibitive deterrent to sending goods of appreciation and caring to loved ones serving away from home.