Senate Leader Atkins’ Bill To Support Navy, Marine Military Families Across California Passes Legislature
SACRAMENTO – The Legislature has passed Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins’ (D-San Diego) SB 1041, legislation that would make permanent the sales tax exemption for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) and other qualifying organizations that provide financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, their family members, and survivors. The bill passed out of the Assembly Thursday on a 76-0 bipartisan vote, and it now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
The NMCRS is a non-profit, volunteer service organization that works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide support services to members of the Naval Service and Marine Corps, eligible family members, and survivors. The NMCRS provides financial and education assistance, emergency travel, visiting nurses, disaster relief and other critical services.
“The aid that the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides truly makes a difference in the lives of thousands of California’s military families and service members,” Pro Tem Atkins said. “Expanding this tax credit means that these families will continue to benefit from the amazing work of the NMCRS. It will give back to the service members and their families, who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.”
In 2013, Pro Tem Atkins authored AB 163, the current 10-year extension of this tax exemption that is set to expire on January 1, 2024. SB 1041 would make the tax exemption permanent ensuring that the NMCRS can continue supporting military families across the state for many years to come. Since that tax exemption went into effect in 2014, the NMCRS has provided an average of $11 million each year through grants, loans, and financial assistance programs for more than 14,000 California-based service members, veterans, and military family members. The tax savings created by SB 1041 will add to the NMCRS’ ability to continue supporting military families across the state.
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins