|
|
|
Gov. Culver: Fights for Iowa's veterans and military families
2/23/2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2010
Contact:
Erin Seidler, Governor’s Office
(515) 281.0173
erin.seidler@iowa.gov
Governor Culver Fights for Iowa’s Veterans and Military Families
Encourages Legislature to Pass ‘Trailing Spouses Bill’, Veterans
Legislation
Des Moines, IA -- Governor Chet Culver announced today in his
weekly press conference he is fighting for Iowa’s Veterans and military
families by encouraging the Iowa legislature to pass key veterans
legislation.
The Governor highlighted the “Trailing Spouse Bill” (HF 2110),
which expands unemployment benefits for spouses who are forced to leave
their jobs when their spouse receives a military reassignment or
deployment. More than 12,000 Iowans have been mobilized since 2002, and
this year 3,500 more Iowa troops will be deployed.
The Governor also encouraged passage of the Exemption of Veteran’s
Benefits from Income Tax (HF 2138), Modification of Visitation Rights
for Veterans (HF 2417) and Addition of Veterans Representation on
Commissions (SF 2175).
Governor’s remarks as prepared:
Governor Chet Culver
Press Conference Talking Points
“Keeping Our Commitment to Iowa’s Veterans”
February 23, 2010
In peacetime, and in times of conflict, our military men and women,
our veterans, have been united in service to the country we love.
We must never forget the sacrifices Iowans have made to defend all
of us.
Our state owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the brave men and
women in uniform now serving our state and country, both at home and
overseas, including those soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice
and those who have injured in battle.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the families and spouses of
these brave men and women.
The strength and determination these families, these spouses, show
in the face of separation, long tours of duty, and the stress of
relocating, demands not just our respect, but the realization that we in
elected office – in both parties - have an obligation to do what we can
to help these military families.
So today I am calling on our legislators to help keep our
commitment to Iowa’s veterans and their families.
I am urging legislators to pass House File 2110, known as the
“trailing spouse” bill.
The bill expands unemployment benefits for spouses who are forced
to leave their jobs when their spouse receives a military reassignment
or deployment.
Benefits for the spouse would be paid from interest on the
unemployment trust fund, not from any increased employer contributions.
Similar legislation has been introduced or enacted in 35 states.
Iowa’s dedicated military families need this bill. And quite
simply, it is the right thing to do.
The bill has passed the House, but remains in a Senate committee. I
am asking for it to be moved out, passed and sent to my desk for
signature as soon as possible.
Additionally, I would like to highlight three other bills that
honor the service of our fighting men and women in uniform:
The “exemption of veterans’ benefits from income tax” bill, the
“addition of veterans representation on commissions” bill, and the
“modification of visitation rights for veterans bill.”
These bills represent part of our state's effort to keep our
commitment to Iowa’s veterans and their families.
I am determined we will keep that commitment. I am determined that
these important pieces of legislation will become law.
Finally, to our veterans, I say a heart-felt thanks for your legacy
of service in the name of freedom here in America and abroad.
To the brave men and women serving today, especially in Iraq and
Afghanistan - You embody Iowa’s “spirit of service.”
To the more than 12,000 Iowans have been mobilized since 2002, and
this year 3,500 more Iowa troops will be deployed. And we cant forget
the 4000 troops who have served here at home, helping us deal with
natural disasters.
And I offer my special gratitude to those who are serving, and join
their families in praying for the safe return of “all” of our brave
soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
God bless Iowa’s service men and women, their families, and “all”
veterans. |
|
A welcoming home for our Troops.
