Dukes: Retired military veterans are treasure we should lure to state

South Carolina is a very patriotic state — recognized as one of the most military friendly states in the country — and that friendliness pays off: Fort Jackson, Shaw and the S.C. National Guard have an annual economic impact of more than $4.4 billion.

Members of our military enjoy their assignments in South Carolina, and many would like to return to South Carolina when they retire.

Many who never served here would consider retiring here as well, if they could make it work financially.

The Legislature is considering a bill to exempt military retirement pay from state income taxes.

Other states have offered this benefit for years, and it has been a powerful tool in retaining and recruiting career-ready service members who have served our country with distinction.

Men and women who enlist at 18 are eligible to retire at age 38, and most begin a second career. They have been trained by one of the best-run organizations in the history of the world, often with skills that S.C. businesses are desperately seeking. They have a keen understanding of loyalty, patriotism, mission, chain of command and accomplishment.

In other words, they are the type of citizens and workers we want to attract to help build a better South Carolina.

Exempting these young men and women from taxation of their hard-earned military pension will help bring them to South Carolina.

It is the right thing to do for those who have served so honorably, and it is the right thing to do for our economy.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 10:49 AM.