News Releases for February 2004
February 10, 2004
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Hoeven Calls For New State Veterans Benefits
Governor Proposes Expansion Of National Guard Tuition Assistance Program
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today said he would include in his budget next biennium a special state military benefit for North Dakota veterans of the National Guard, Reserves and active military who have served in the Persian Gulf (Operation Iraqi Freedom), Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom), United States (Operation Noble Eagle), Somalia, Bosnia and Kosovo.
The benefit will provide veterans with $100 for each month of overseas service, up to $1,800, and $50 for each month of domestic service, up to $900. This is increased from a cap of $1,000 for overseas duty to reflect longer terms of service.
The estimated cost of the program is $3.5 million, which Hoeven plans to build into his next budget. To support the initiative, he will also evaluate a voluntary check off on the state’s individual and corporate income tax form. Hoeven will seek the necessary legislation in the Fifty-ninth Legislative Assembly next year to extend the benefit to veterans or their heirs.
“We owe a great debt to the brave men and women of our military, who are putting their careers on hold and risking their lives daily to serve the cause of freedom,” Hoeven said. “With this bonus, we are providing assistance to ease the financial hardship and personal sacrifices of serving, and more importantly, we are saying, thank you for the sacrifices you have made on our behalf.”
At the same time, Hoeven said he would seek increased support for the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program, which provides financial aid to National Guard members who pursue a college education.
Hoeven pointed out that the assistance has not kept pace with increases in tuition rates over the last few years. The current benefit is $500 and a 25 percent tuition discount. Hoeven has directed the National Guard to work with the Board of Higher Education to increase it. In addition, the Governor will address any provisions in existing programs that penalize soldiers whose education is disrupted due to mobilization.
Hoeven has also directed Job Service North Dakota, in coordination with the federal Veterans Employment and Training Services, to extend its Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to returning National Guard and Reservists.
The program currently assists active military veterans. TAP prepares veterans for civilian life with three-day seminars on benefits from the federal veterans administration, small business, job-search strategies, resume writing, financial planning, networking and educational opportunities and careers. The program can be delivered at armories and other convenient sites throughout the state on a needs basis.
“These men and women are making personal sacrifices beyond what anyone anticipated,” Hoeven said. “It is only proper that we recognize their extraordinary service.”
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