Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 7, 1991 TAG: 9102070419
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Del. Joan Munford, D-Blacksburg, proposed the "Persian Gulf Bill" after learning that a Virginia Tech employee and member of the Reserves was being called to the Middle East and had been told he would have to forfeit his training pay.
Members of the guard are required to spend two weeks in training each year. During that time, their jobs are secured and their salaries are compensated by the state.
But because of the war in the Gulf, some employees were called to active duty instead of routine training.
The state code specifically mentions training, but does not refer to active duty, and Guard members were denied reimbursement.
"It didn't make any sense to me at all," Munford said Wednesday. "We hear over and over that the troops go for training before reporting for duty. It's not fair for them to have to give up their two weeks' pay when most of them are getting a cut in pay anyway."
Munford said the "penalty" was especially appalling at a time when men and women were making personal sacrifices for their country.
"My bill doesn't create a further burden for state resources, it merely pays members of the guard the money that was already set aside for that purpose."
The bill has passed the House and Senate, and awaits signature by the governor. "I feel sure the governor will support it and sign it into law," Munford said.
She said she does not know how many people the bill will affect.
by CNB