By Lee Davidson

| The Salt Lake Tribune

Two legislators known for fighting each other over immigration united Wednesday to jointly defend a tax break for military members against recent attacks that the armed forces already get enough perks.

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, became the House sponsor of legislation pushed by Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, to waive property taxes on the primary residence for military members when they are deployed out of state for 200 days in a year.

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They appeared together before the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, which unanimously approved SJR8 and SB116, and sent them to the full House. Both measures would be needed to waive the tax. SJR8 is a constitutional amendment, which voters would have to approve if it passes the Legislature.

When the Senate considered the legislation last week, Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, argued that the military already enjoys "all kinds of breaks. We pay for their clothing. We allow them to shop at the PX [post exchange]. And now, Senator Robles, you want me to pay for their taxes on their primary residence. I’m just saying enough."

Sandstrom, who is running for Congress, said such arguments do not realize "you don’t get those things given to you, they are taken out of your paycheck. When I was first in the Marines and got my dress blues, I thought this is a great uniform that was handed to me, then I got my paycheck" and its value was deducted.

He said deployment "does put on great hardships, and I think this is a great way to say thank you to our military."

Fiscal analysts figure the legislation would raise the tax on other Utahns by about $1 per home to fund the tax break for the military.

"It asks us as a citizenry to put some skin in the game," said Rep. Tim Cosgrove, D-Murray.