|
Rep. Troy Kelley, serving the 28th District Serving DuPont, Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Tillicum, West Tacoma, and Anderson, Ketron and McNeil Islands. |
WA House takes moment to honor National Guard, help veterans
January 26, 2009
OLYMPIA – Members of the state’s National Guard were the focus of
Monday’s House floor session. A resolution and three bills were passed
supporting the military.
State Rep. John Driscoll, D-Spokane, spoke
to the resolution, praising the service the National Guard does for our
state and country.
“Our guard members exemplify the qualities many
of us spend our lives reaching for,” Driscoll said. “To the members of our
national guard: thank you for your service and thank you for your
example.”
The House also passed three bills to support the military
in our state.
House Bill 1050 seeks to adjust the veterans’ scoring
preference criteria, to allow all members called to active service
eligible to receive the scoring boost. State Rep. Troy Kelley, D-Tacoma,
is the prime sponsor of the bill.
“At times we think we’re doing
all we can for our veterans, but there are gaps we need to fill so every
person who serves gets the respect they deserve,” Kelley said. “Right now,
if you’re hurt in Iraq and seeking promotion for a job at home, the
current scoring criteria for state hiring doesn’t acknowledge your
sacrifice if you have served for less than one year.”
Opening local
relief funds to National Guard veterans is the aim of State Rep. Christine
Rolfes’, D-Bainbridge Island, House Bill 1049.
“Local county
veteran relief funds help military veterans and their families get
critical services,” Rolfes said. “All our military veterans deserve
relief, including members currently serving on their first deployment, who
aren’t eligible now. The help is there and this bill will connect guard
members with some relief.”
State Rep. Dawn Morrell, D-Puyallup, is
the prime sponsor of House Bill 1034, which aims to allow the public
greater use of National Guard armories.
“National Guard armories
are a great resource for communities in every part of our state, but we
can help families and communities get even more benefit from them in the
future,” Morrell said. “Allowing weddings, family gatherings and other
expanded uses of armories will also help our entire state by strengthening
the connection our National Guard has with the public it protects and
serves.”
# # #
Contact
State Rep. John Driscoll, (360)
786-7962
Print-quality photo:
http://www.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Driscoll.jpg
State Rep. Troy Kelley, (360) 786-7890
Print-quality photo:
http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Kelley.jpg
State Rep. Christine Rolfes, (360) 786-7842
Print-quality photo:
http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Rolfes.jpg
State Rep. Dawn Morrell, (360) 786-7968
Print-quality photo:
http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/morrell.jpg