THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994 TAG: 9409160020
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Virginia is a state with a large military population, both active, reserve and retired. The state and local communities fight to keep the local military and DOD facilities open with everything they can, sighting the impact on the community that the loss of this tax base and buying power brings. And yet, the state continues to maintain laws that are extremely detrimental to these same people they are fighting so hard to keep.
I am upset with the state because of its laws surrounding unemployment and how it affects many military families. The state regards military moves as voluntary, meaning that spouses who have worked and paid taxes in Virginia throughout their stay here are not entitled to unemployment benefits. The financial hardships for families, particularly young enlisted families can be enormous. Most don't even know this situation exists.
Members of the military to whom this is a concern should contact their local state delegate and senator. I have contacted mine.
Legislation to correct this situation will be proposed. If we all contact our representatives, maybe this law will be changed so future young military families will not be more severely impacted when it's time to change duty stations.
RENEE JOSEPH
Richmond, Sept. 12, 1994 by CNB