Leading the Way in Supporting Our Troops
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Democratic governors have taken the lead in their states by attending to the needs of veterans, National Guard members and their families. Veteran and National Guard issues have always been important in this country, and in recent years it has become increasingly important for government officials to enact policies that support the morale of servicemembers and assist them in their daily lives. The initiatives and policies of Democratic governors nationally not only honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, but also provide them with the respect and assistance they truly deserve.
At least half of the Democratic governors have instituted financial assistance policies for servicemembers and their families. Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm created a Military Family Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to families of soldiers suffering financial hardships. Maine Gov. John Baldacci created a similar fund that provides emergency assistance grants to the families of servicemembers on active duty. In tandem with this goal, at least seven governors have created “check-offs” on state income tax returns to allow citizens to contribute to a relief fund for servicemembers – including Arizona, Delaware and New Mexico, among others.
Governors have also taken action to support servicemen and women for when they return home. At least ten Democratic governors provide educational opportunities for returning soldiers including reduced loans and tax incentives. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski developed an innovative program called “Troops to Teachers” which pays for veterans to attend college if they agree to teach in Oregon on completion of their coursework. Other governors have made homeownership a priority: In January, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack enacted legislation to fund a $1 million program to help veterans buy a home.
Several governors have marshaled state agencies to respond to the needs of returning soldiers. New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, in conjunction with his adjutant general, developed a comprehensive program to assist with veterans’ return home. The Department of Health and Human Services finds temporary accommodations for service members who may have given up their apartments and conducts statewide outreach and training to primary physicians, clergy, educators, employers, and local police that will focus on how to support soldiers as they return. And the State Department of Corrections is building a model program for employee re-entry and providing statewide outreach to employers and human services professionals.
Other initiatives include job protections that emulate Gov. Phil Bredesen’s program of special leave for state employees in Tennessee. The plan provides partial pay for one year to government employees called to active duty. Multiple governors have also provided cash bonuses to returning veterans: West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III provided for returning servicemembers to receive at least $400 on their return.
Click here to read the report »
Democratic governors have taken the lead in their states by attending to the needs of veterans, National Guard members and their families. Veteran and National Guard issues have always been important in this country, and in recent years it has become increasingly important for government officials to enact policies that support the morale of servicemembers and assist them in their daily lives. The initiatives and policies of Democratic governors nationally not only honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, but also provide them with the respect and assistance they truly deserve.
