A movement in the North Dakota Legislature seeks to end state income tax on veteran retirement payments earned by active duty or reserve military personnel.

Minot Daily News supports the measure, which would extend the exemption from affecting active duty and reserve pay to their retirement pay.

It isn’t just a moral choice, it has practical applications as well.

Morally speaking, this is a state that supports the military in a way that should make every state resident proud of North Dakota. That should extend to an exemption for military retirement pay. It is an ethical imperative to provide all of the support and benefits possible for our veterans. Many people will never understand the sacrifices our veterans make for us as a society, nor the benefits they provide all of us with their courage and selflessness.

It shouldn’t be even controversial. It makes sense in a state with the strong moral compass of North Dakotans.

The measure also benefits economic development. Instituting this measure makes North Dakota a more inviting and attractive state for veterans, and retired veterans often apply their skills and discipline to entrepreneurialism; as well as making for tremendous employees.

North Dakota needs entrepreneurs and it needs a stronger, larger work force.

Yes, House Bill 1061 benefits the state in many ways, but in the end it boils largely down to one issue.

Don’t we owe this to our veterans?