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Chuck
February 8th, 2005, 07:16 PM
FRANKFORT - Kentucky members of the National Guard and the military
reserves killed while called up by the president would be eligible for a
death benefit under a bill passed today by the House Seniors, Military
Affairs and Public Safety Committee.

House Bill 222, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, would give
$75,000 to the relatives of Guardsmen and reservists killed while
serving their country. A similar death benefit already exists for
Guardsmen killed while serving within the state.

"Losing a loved one is just as painful whether it was the president that
signed the paper to make it happen or the governor," said Rep. Tanya
Pullin, D-South Shore, who co-sponsored a similar bill.

The current federal death benefit for Guardsmen and Reservists who are
killed in action is $9,000. "Sometimes that $9,000 won't even cover the
soldier's funeral expenses," said Rep. Rick Nelson, D-Middlesboro.

The bill will now be forwarded to the House for the chamber's
consideration.

dpolley
February 8th, 2005, 07:32 PM
I would have the dollar amount be even more considering that these men & women are literally giving their all for their country. Whether you agree with the war or not, no one should ever discount the sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform.

mark
February 8th, 2005, 11:56 PM
.....I totally agree!! This bill needs to be implemented ASAP......see ya Mark