January 9th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by announcing that he is introducing legislation to provide tax relief for police, firefighters, and first responders, and urging lawmakers to pass his crime plan. The governor made the announcement after hosting a reception for police officers at the State House.

The Hometown Heroes Act of 2020 exempts law enforcement, fire, rescue, corrections, and emergency response personnel from state tax on all retirement income specific to their service in those professions. 

“Time and time again, our state has called on our dedicated law enforcement officers and first responders, and every single time they have answered the call with no regard for their own personal safety,” said Governor Hogan. “Our top priority is keeping our citizens safe, and in order to do that it is essential that our police officers, firefighters, and all of our first responders have the tools, the support, and the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. The out-of-control violence in our streets is the number one problem facing the state and the number one concern of Marylanders—passing our crime package absolutely must be job number one for the legislature.”

This week, WTOP reported, “A poll conducted just before the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session on Wednesday found that voters want lawmakers to focus on crime.”