STATE REP. CANDARAS CO-SPONSORS BILL THAT COULD PROVIDE AID
TO MILITARY FAMILIES

Boston, MA — A new bill co-sponsored by Rep. Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham)
could bring financial relief during next year’s tax season to distressed
families of Massachusetts servicemen and women activated since the September 11,
2001, terrorist attacks.

The bill would establish a “Military Family Relief Fund” subsidized by a
voluntary check-off box on state income tax returns, which would allow taxpayers
to contribute all or part of their refund to the Massachusetts National Guard
and Reserve Families Foundation.

Established in 2003 to assist military families whose main wage earners are
activated, the Foundation provides monetary support to help cover shortfalls
for food, housing, utilities, medical bills, and other expenses. Since most
military reservists and National Guard members face a pay cut when called to
active duty, their families often suffer significant financial hardships.

Representative Candaras said, “Men and women honoring the call to duty in the
service of our country are too often forced to sacrifice their family’s
future and financial well-being in the process. In many instances, their families
face hardship and deprivation not shared by the general population. The tax
return check-off mechanism for donating to these families will, hopefully, create
a revenue stream to assist them.”

Under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act of 1994,
employers are not required to pay employees who are on military leave. Paying
employees while on military leave or making up the difference between
military pay and what he or she earned on the job is optional.

The 1994 Act does require employers to either reinstate reservists upon their
return or to provide them with equivalent positions. Their benefits and any
raises they would have otherwise received are also protected under the Act.
Many employers nationwide are refusing to comply with the law and complaints
about noncompliant employers have risen steadily since the deployments began after
9/11, prompting Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao to issue public service
announcements reminding employers of their legal obligations.

In the meantime, the pay gap forces the families of many reservists into
economic failure. The Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund bill is designed
to help fill the monetary gaps.

Other versions of military relief funding have already been passed in
Illinois, Maine, and Wyoming. The Massachusetts bill is expected to move quickly so
contributions can be made with the 2004 tax returns.

To submit donations or applications for aid write to the Friends of the
Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve Families at PO Box 313, Medway, MA 02053.
Military families can download an application for aid at www.mangfriends.org.