BC-VT-XGR–Guard Help,300

Lawmakers propose benefits for National Guard members

llrvpr

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) – Several bills have been proposed in the Legislature that would help members of the Vermont National Guard.

Under one bill, the state would pay the premium on a $250,000 life insurance policy for all Guard members who have been activated in the past few years.

The legislation is modeled after a similar proposal that’s been adopted in New Mexico.

“It’s one of many ways that the state can help Guard families out,” said Rep. Alan Parent, R-St. Albans, a co-sponsor of the bill. “Several Guard members that I work with in my other job have come to me and said with all their fears in the war zone that their greatest fear is what’s going on with their family. So we felt that with that in mind we could probably do a little more for Guard families, active duty Guard families here in the state.”

Other bills would reduce tax burdens and fees for Guard members.

Parent estimates that a little more than 1,000 Guard members would be affected by his bill, which would cost roughly $300,000. He notes the proposal would not be an annual appropriation because the number of activated Guard members is expected to decline in the coming years.

National Guard commander Maj. Gen. Martha Rainville said she appreciates the concerns expressed by lawmakers but wants to be sure any money is put to the best use.

“Certainly any help for soldiers is welcome but we have some other ways also that we could use money,” she said.

Several of the Guard bills are being reviewed by the House General, Housing and Military Affairs Committee.

Chairman Francis Brooks, D-Montpelier, expects that his committee will look at several of the bills and decide which ones would have the most impact on members of the Guard.

AP-ES-02-25-05 1454EST