Praising the "brave men and women" who are citizen soldiers, Huntsman also proposed a plan to give free college educations to the spouses and children of any reservist or Guard member killed in action.

Huntsman revealed his proposals while standing in front of a UH-IM Huey helicopter gunship at the Utah Air National Guard headquarters.

Service in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has taken an "unseen emotional and economic toll on our friends and neighbors," Huntsman said, adding "it is something we must address."

Gov. Olene Walker and legislators of both parties already have tentatively endorsed legislation that would grant a tax break on active-duty pay to reservists and Utah National Guard members. The bill is expected to come up during a special session scheduled this month.

The $5 million proposal has previously failed in the Legislature because of its price tag.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Scott Matheson Jr. said Tuesday in a separate interview that he also supports a tax break for Utah's citizen soldiers called to active duty.

"There's a bipartisan consensus which includes the candidates," said Matheson.

While Matheson said he didn't know the details of the legislation, he fully endorsed the principle of granting such tax relief.