News Details

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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Rep. Tyler Olson, 515-281-3221

Continuing Iowa’s Leadership
for Veterans and Active Iowa Soldiers

DES MOINES – As Iowa Veterans visited the State Capitol on Thursday, State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids announced plans to enact new protections for military families and to continue the multi-year, multi-million dollar expansion of the Iowa Veterans Home.

"In these tough times, many military families are facing additional struggles. As Iowa families prepare for the largest deployment in Iowa history later this year, we should do all we can to make the transition easier for National Guard members and their families," said Olson.

House Study Bill 538, which was approved by House Veterans Affairs Committee earlier this week, will provide unemployment benefits for spouses who must leave their jobs because their partner was called to active duty. Other initiatives this year to help spouses at home include protecting them from withdrawal penalties if they must leave college mid-term and directing state agencies to help them transfer teaching certificates or professional certifications to their new home state.

Last year, the Legislature created new incentives for employers to hire workers who are also soldiers [SF 197] and provided mortgage foreclosure protection to all Iowans on active-duty [HF 706]. The Legislature also increased the National Guard Benefit program to more than $4 million and took steps to help the children of military families to succeed in school despite frequent moves [HF 214].

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