Res. No. 779
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass legislation to address the financial hardships placed upon New York residents who are members of the militia, national guard or armed services reserves.
By Council Members Gentile, Fidler, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Mealy, Nelson, Palma, Seabrook, Weprin, White Jr., Sanders Jr., Gerson, Ignizio and Oddo
Whereas, The United States military is currently engaged in large-scale operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is deployed in other areas throughout the globe; and
Whereas, Thousands of New York State residents are currently serving in the United States military; and
Whereas, Many New York residents who volunteered for the national guard or state militia did not anticipate tours of duty lasting months or years; and
Whereas; Extended tours of duty have created financial hardships for many members of the armed services and their families, since military pay is more often than not substantially less than the amount such individuals receive from civilian employment; and
Whereas; Legislative bills A.2938 and S.234, also known as the New York Military Family Relief Fund bill, would establish a State fund that would financially assist struggling military personnel who have been stationed away from home for extended periods of time; and
Whereas, The fund would provide monetary grants to those in the military who have sustained physical injury, as well as to the families of those who have died; and
Whereas, The fund would also provide needs-based grants to those in the military whose military pay is 30 percent less than their civilian pay; and
Whereas, The financial welfare of New York State residents serving in the military and their families would be advanced by the enactment of laws designed to ease the financial hardships of serving our country in the military; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon New York State Legislature to pass legislation to address the financial hardships placed upon New York residents who are members of the militia, national guard or armed services reserves.
LS#2637
HG
3-7-07