“Those who’ve bravely volunteered for our country deserve the best possible services here at home,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It’s essential we’re creating new opportunities for them to save money for the future as well as ensuring their families will be taken care of after they’re gone.  This bill provides critical tax benefits for America’s service members.”

             The Heroes Earning and Relief Tax Act, sponsored by Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY), provide earnings assistance and tax relief to members of the uniformed services, volunteer firefighters, and veterans.  Some notable examples include, permitting recipients of military death benefit payments to contribute those payments to a Roth IRA or an education savings account and relieving volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders from having to claim state tax rebates as federal income.   These provisions reduce the tax burden on military, veterans and volunteer firefighters in recognition of their service.

            “Whether it’s serving overseas in Iraq or fighting fires in Montana, volunteers are a crucial part of our nation’s security,” said Rehberg.  “As Montana’s Congressman, I’m working hard to implement policies honor the service these individuals provide.”