More Proof That It's Democrats Who Support the Troops

By: Lowell
Published On: 9/19/2007 2:55:52 PM

Obviously, John Warner doesn't support the well being of our troops.  In contrast, look at Jim Webb and look at the Virginia Democrats; they've got their priorities straight!

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS UNVEIL VETERANS' BILL OF RIGHTS

Provide additional benefits for military and veterans serving our country

Richmond, VA--- House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran announced they would support a Virginia Military Veterans' Bill of Rights.

The MVBR includes the Commonwealth's commitment to provide quality medical and counseling care, to protect against financial hardship from service, to ensure access to education opportunities, to protect military families financially while serving overseas, to ensure they received high quality healthcare, and to provide additional benefits for families of fallen soldiers.

In the 2008 session of the General Assembly, House Democratic leaders will propose:


 
1) Additional Life Insurance Benefits-Allow active military and veterans to opt into the state employee life insurance policy to provide additional life insurance benefits for their families.

2) Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Counseling Benefits: Create a public-private partnership to provide additional counseling services for the 23,667 Virginians returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan with a focus on those who return with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and physical care for other brain related injuries.

3) National Guard and Reservists Financial Security Act:
a. State employees - codify an existing executive order to have the state provide compensation to make up the different between guard salary and state employee salary

b. Private employees - state to provide tax credits to encourage companies to provide compensation for guard employees serving overseas

"In a time of war, when the federal government has all too often failed to provide adequate services for our veterans, Virginia must step up to this moral obligation to care for those who put themselves in harms way to defend us," House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran said.

"While we have budget challenges next session, I believe that it is critical to ensure that Virginia's veterans and servicemen and women have the highest care possible," House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong said. "We ask them to put their life on the line everyday for our freedom and we owe them every benefit possible."

"I served 26 years in the United States Navy and had the honor to serve with some of the bravest men and women on the face of the earth," House Democratic candidate and former Naval Destroyer Commander Carlos Del Toro said. "When I go to the General Assembly in January, I will do everything in my power to make sure our veterans receive the respect and care they've so clearly earned."

Comments



YES! (Evan M - 9/19/2007 4:44:44 PM)
This is brilliant. While the Republicans squabble over irrelevant issues and run from their records, the Democrats unite behind our neighbors serving abroad.

21/51 here we come.



sounds great now lets pay for it (JScott - 9/19/2007 7:11:16 PM)
Lets face it. Everything mentioned is right on target, but how our we going to pay for it in the long term. I undertand that the troops and the military are a hot button issue, mostly made by the GOP, as well as immigration for that matter but truth be told how are they going to pay for it. If I recall, Chuck Robb tried for alot of this back as GOV. in the 80's and even then we could not get it passed during a time when the focus was certainly a pro-military environment. I can't think of one military guy turned politician who has better served Virginia than Robb, Webb is still a freshman so lets not jump all over the nabdwagon just yet, so I would be interested in learning how he sees this and how the GA can make it happen.


Here's an idea (Evan M - 9/19/2007 9:50:07 PM)
1% state tax on the profits of defense contractors in NoVa.

Then make contributions they voluntarily make to a state-managed fund for Veterans benefits tax deductible.

Stick - Carrot.