The County Courier of Enosburg Falls VT is running a weekly candidates’ Q & A. 
Here is this week’s question and my response:

QUESTION: Vermont is one of 13 states to tax social security benefits, and one of seven states to fully tax Military Pension benefits. Do you support the continued taxation of these, why or why not? Do you support providing taxation exemptions from any other groups or individuals?

ANSWER: Retirees and military veterans have contributed to our economy and given their lives in service to their careers and for our freedom. I do not believe that we should tax these individuals on their hard-earned income. In fact, I signed on to bills in the last biennium exempting both groups from State income tax. We in the Legislature need to do everything we can to keep these folks from leaving our State, and this is one action that would benefit us more than it would cost us. Retirees and veterans often have second careers and use their newfound financial security to stimulate the economy by making purchases for more than just necessities. They often are younger and have many more productive years ahead of them, and we should utilize their financial resources and knowledge.  I wish to take this opportunity to thank our military veterans and our retirees for all that they have done for our State and to assure them that I will continue to advocate for lower, or no, income tax for those groups.

Thank you for your service - it is an honor to represent you! 
Stay well,

Rep Lisa Hango