Rep. Frye Named Legislator of the Year for Supporting Military Members, Veterans

Frye was honored last Friday.

State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) (left) is presented the Legislator of the Year award from Disabled American Veterans Commander Bob Carnagey (right). Photo provided. 

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) was honored last Friday in Indianapolis. 

Disabled American Veterans Commander Bob Carnagey presented Rep. Frye with the Legislator of the Year award. 

Frye, the chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, was recognized for authoring a new law providing tax relief to active-duty military members and a new law establishing a second Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the state. 

House Enrolled Act 1034, signed by Governor Holcomb, will allow active-duty military members to receive a complete income tax exemption beginning in January regardless of their deployment status. Frye said National Guard and reserve members already receive a $5,000 deduction, and a full income tax exemption when mobilized or on duty.

"All of our military members are valued, and we appreciate them for defending our country and our freedoms," Frye said. "With this tax cut, we can really show our appreciation and put money back into their pockets. We also believe this move will encourage more service members to locate to the Hoosier state."

According to Frye, chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, other states, including Michigan and Kentucky, offer a full income tax exemption to all service members.

House Enrolled Act 1056 creates a second Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Tippecanoe County. The other Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located between the Ohio River and Clifty Falls State Park in Madison. 

Currently, veterans not dishonorably discharged, retired National Guard and reservists, those who die in the line of duty, spouses and children under the age of 21 of eligible veterans, and permanent dependents are eligible for a burial at the IVMC. With this honor comes several other benefits, including free burial plots or containers, a monument and use of the chapel. Families can choose from several types of burials to fit their final wishes.

Frye's bill, which received unanimous support, would allow reserve members of the armed forces, members of the Indiana Army National Guard, Indiana Air National Guard and Reserve Officers' Training Corps to be laid to rest at IVMC cemeteries. Spouses, minor children and unmarried adult children of eligible Hoosiers could also rest with their family.