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Tuesday, January 26, 2010                                                    

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Rep. Tyler Olson, 515-281-3221

HOUSE EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES  

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids voted to provide additional support for military families by expanding benefits for spouses who are forced to leave their jobs because their partner received a military re-assignment or deployment.

“With the largest deployment in Iowa history later this year, we should provide more support for families of our men and women in uniform.  The additional benefits approved today for military families forced to relocate is a simple step we can do to make their lives a bit easier in a difficult time,” said Olson.

House File 2110 provides unemployment benefits for military spouses forced to relocate.  The benefits are paid from interest on the unemployment fund, not from employer contributions.

The bill is the first in a package of initiatives to help military families and veterans.  Other initiatives to help families facing relocation include protecting spouses 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.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

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