ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 201

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

211th LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED OCTOBER 25, 2004

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman ERIC MUNOZ

District 21 (Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union)

SYNOPSIS

    Memorializes Congress to appropriate funds to provide financial assistance to members of the National Guard and Reserves mobilized in the war on terror.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

    As introduced.

A Concurrent Resolution memorizing the Congress of the United States to financially assist members of the National Guard and Reserves of the Armed Forces mobilized in the war on terror.

Whereas, The United States of America was founded on the principles of liberty, freedom, and justice for all; and

Whereas, Throughout history, American soldiers have been called upon to defend these principles both at home and throughout the world; and

Whereas, On September 11, 2001, the United States was subject to acts of war perpetuated against civilians by terrorists; and

Whereas, In response to these acts of terror, the President of the United States has called upon the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the National Guard to protect America's citizens and her freedoms; and

Whereas, Many of these American soldiers called to duty to defend our liberties have civilian compensation that exceeds their military compensation; and

Whereas, The United States General Accounting Office reported to Congress that Army National Guard personnel and Army Reserve soldiers mobilized to active duty experienced significant military pay problems; and

Whereas, The families of these military men and women, defending liberties enjoyed by all, may now be facing undue financial hardship in addition to the pain of separation and the sacrifices of war; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):

    1. The Congress of the United States is respectfully memorialized to pass legislation and appropriate funding for loans, grants or other programs that provide financial assistance to Reservists and National Guard personnel called to active duty for an extended period and to consider additional actions that may be warranted.

    2. The Congress of the United States is respectfully memorialized to pass legislation to provide tax relief to Reservists and National Guard personnel called to active duty for an extended period.

    3. The Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs is requested to work with the New Jersey Congressional delegation and the Department of Defense to solve the financial hardship problem faced by many military men and women.

    4. Duly authenticated copies of this concurrent resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and the President of the Senate, and attested by the Clerk of the General Assembly and the Secretary of the Senate, shall be transmitted to the President and Vice President of the United States, the Majority and Minority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, each member of Congress elected from this State and the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs.

STATEMENT

    This concurrent resolution would memorialize Congress to pass legislation and appropriate full funding for loans, grants and other programs that would provide financial assistance to Reservists and National Guard members who have been activated by the President of the United States in the war on terror. This resolution further calls upon Congress to provide tax relief for these soldiers and their families and to consider additional actions that may be warranted.

    In response to terrorist attacks against our Nation, the President of the United States has called upon the Reserves of the Armed Forces of the United States and members of the National Guard to protect America's citizens and her freedoms. The General Accounting Office reported to Congress that Reservists and National Guard personnel mobilized to active duty experienced significant income problems that have resulted in financial hardship for soldiers and their families.