Ga. Capitol roundup: Lawmaker apologizes for flipping the bird

ATLANTA - A Georgia lawmaker who extended his middle finger in a group photo of the state House has apologized.

Rep. Dominic LaRiccia told lawmakers on the state House floor Tuesday that he thought it would be cute or a little funny, but the gesture was inappropriate.

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He asked for grace and forgiveness.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that LaRiccia has fallen out of favor with some fellow Republicans in recent years and was drawn into the same district with another GOP legislator during redistricting.

He told the newspaper he wasn’t being vengeful. He is not running for re-election.

Bill to propose removing income tax for vets

MIDWAY, Ga. - A bill is set to be proposed this legislative session that would remove income tax from the pensions of retired military veterans in Georgia.

Yellow ribbons like the one outside the Schneider home are a sign of military support. Soon, veteran families like the Schneiders could get another sign of support from the Georgia legislature.

“This is when I went through basic training”

Paul Schneider served in the National Guard for 24 years.

“One tour after another just led on, and I stayed on until I retired.”

Now, retired and living with his wife, Melinda, in Midway, Paul says the potential legislation would be a welcome change.

“This is good news that it may actually happen this year.”

Representative Al Williams (D-Midway), who is also a veteran, is a co-sponsor of the bill.

“Anybody who is a military retiree, if they’re drawing a military retirement check, there will be no taxes on their retirement income, no state taxes,” said Rep. Al Williams.

This is good news for veterans like Paul, especially now.

“Inflation is 7 percent. Our cost of living allowance isn’t even keeping up with inflation. Over the years, it hasn’t been keeping up with inflation.”

Rep. Williams says it would be a positive move for the state, which is home to around 700,000 veterans.

“We won’t have people leaving here just to retire in another state that doesn’t have income tax.”