Assemblyman Steven Choi, R-Irvine, Tuesday unveiled legislation to make military Survivor’s Benefits tax-exempt in California.

“It is absolutely wrong that California taxes the meager financial support provided to the surviving spouses and children of our nation’s heroes,” Choi said. “California is one of only two states that taxes this support as income.”

Nearly 30,000 children and spouses in California receive survivor’s benefits averaging $1,300 a month, and 90% of the recipients are over the age of 65, according to Choi’s office.

“When crafting this legislation, taking care of our nation’s heroes and families is the primary goal,” Choi said. “I am appalled that California brands itself the leader of compassionate legislation and yet is one of the only states that does not help widows and orphans.”

AB 2380 will be referred to committee for debate.

>> Want to read more stories like this? Get our Free Daily Newsletters Here!