April 17,
2003
On behalf
of the citizens of New Jersey, I thank you for your service in the New
Jersey National Guard. In time of war and domestic crisis, the National
Guard provides vital security for our State and nation. In times of
natural disaster, the National Guard protects life and property against
forest fires, floods, and snowstorms. I want you to know that the people
of New Jersey greatly appreciate the sacrifices you and your family
make.
Many National
Guard members called to State Active Duty may suffer financial, healthcare
and other hardships. I want you to know that I am taking action to reduce
those hardships.
For National
Guard members who are ordered to State Active Duty for 30 or more days,
I am seeking legislation to increase State Active Duty base pay to a
minimum of $100 per day and to provide medical coverage for members
and their eligible dependents. I am pleased that Senate President Codey
and Assembly Speaker Sires have agreed to have that legislation introduced
in the near future.
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The
Division of Motor Vehicles will provide automatic extensions for drivers
licenses, vehicle registrations and inspections for National Guard
members who are engaged in active duty.
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The
State will create a Scholarship Program for children, spouses and
dependents of New Jersey military personnel killed or severely disabled
during the war on terrorism or war in Iraq. Also, the Higher Education
Student Assistance Authority will extend application deadlines for
Tuition Aid Grants for National Guard members on active military service.
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Guard
members who had to leave a state college or university when they were
called to active duty will be able to receive refunds of registration,
lab, and student fees or have the option of re-enrolling without new
fees.
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The
New Jersey Department of Labor will provide job training through its
one-stop career centers. Counselors will conduct special seminars
for employers and job search workshops for returning Guard members.
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For
the next six months, a half price discount will be provided for military
personnel traveling on New Jersey Transit trains and buses. Military
personnel will need to show proper military identification.
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The
Department of Banking and Insurance will undertake necessary action
to prohibit cancellations of professional liability insurance policies
while the policyholder is on active duty; to suspend the policyholders
obligation to pay premiums during the term of his or her period of
active duty; and to require renewal without lapse of policies that
expire during active duty, if application to renew is made within
60 days of return from active duty.
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The
Office of the Attorney General will strictly enforce all laws to protect
military personnel against discrimination related to housing, employment,
education, public accommodations, and credit applications due to active
duty service.
The Adjutant
General, Brigadier General Rieth, will be providing additional information
to all National Guard members through normal communication channels.
If you have any questions related to the increased benefits the State
will be providing to National Guard members, please go through your
normal chain of command.
Again,
thank you for your service. May God bless and protect you and our nation.
With All
Good Wishes,
James E.
McGreevey
Governor