News Releases for April 2005
April 18, 2005
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Hoeven Signs New Veterans Benefit Legislation
Military Initiatives 
(158kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today, along with Major General Mike Haugen, the state’s Adjutant General, held a press conference and ceremonial signing to mark the passage of seven bills that benefit North Dakota National Guard, Reservists and active duty military, as well as their families.
Joining Hoeven for the signing of the Veterans Bonus Initiative were Sec. of State Al Jaeger, Major General Michael Haugen, Brigadier General Gerald Engleman and bill sponsors Sens. Stanley Lyson, John Syverson and Harvey Tallackson, and Reps. Bob Martinson, Andrew Maragos and Ole Aarsvold.
Included among the bills was SB2146, the Veterans Bonus Initiative, which grew out of a series of measures, including cash bonuses and tuition breaks for veterans, that Hoeven proposed last February to recognize the personal and financial sacrifices made by North Dakota’s men and women in uniform.
“It is difficult to find adequate words to say thank you to our National Guard, Reserve and active duty military,” Hoeven said. “We hope this benefit package will convey in a practical manner the depth of gratitude all of us feel toward our men and women in uniform, as well as their families.”
At the ceremony, Hoeven signed into law SB2146, the Veterans Bonus Initiative, a $5 million program that will provide North Dakota veterans with $100 for each month of overseas service, up to $1,800, and $50 for each month of domestic service, up to $900. In addition, the program provides $2,500 for the heirs of soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, or soldiers who receive the Purple Heart. The initiative also doubles to $1 million funding for the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program, which aids members attending a North Dakota state college or university.
“According to Guard officials, the increase in tuition assistance funding will ensure that most Guard members have 100 percent of their state tuition covered at North Dakota state colleges and universities,” Hoeven said. “That will not only help our recruiting and retention efforts and create a smarter, stronger force, but will also give our military men and women a better start in civilian life.”
In addition to the Veterans Bonus Initiative, legislators were on hand to mark the passage of other bills designed to help veterans and their families. On hand for the ceremony were bill sponsors Reps. Raeann Kelsch, Ron Carlisle, Duane DeKrey, Stacy Horter, Clara Price, C.B. Haas, Lisa Meier and Blair Thoreson, and Sens. Dennis Bercier, Dick Dever, Russel Thane, Judy Lee, Jack Traynor, Connie Triplett, Karen Krebsbach, Dwight Cook and Rich Wardner.
The new laws:
- Allow boards and agencies to waive licensure requirements for mobilized service members. (HB1527)
- Expand the definition of dependents of soldiers killed or totally disabled eligible for college tuition waiver. (HB1271)
- Allow any North Dakota Guard member in-state tuition rates, regardless of residence. (SB2076)
- Clarify and simplify state income tax exemptions for mobilized soldiers (SB2362)
- Provide for e-mail or fax voting for soldiers overseas (SB2336) and
- Ensure that mobilized state employees get the appropriate retirement credit upon return to civilian employment.
- (HB1069)
“Governor Hoeven understands the issues affecting our service members and has worked to ensure we have the resources available to be ready for any contingency,” said Haugen. “On behalf of our soldiers, we greatly appreciate it. Our Governor and the entire North Dakota Legislature deserve credit for their support of our soldiers and airmen.”
“The commitment and dedication of our soldiers and airmen has been beyond comparison,” Hoeven said. “While nothing we do can make up for the time spent away from families and work, I am pleased to sign into law today legislation that says thank you by taking better care of soldiers and their families.”
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