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Patty Murray's Washington View

Date: Feb. 13, 2004
Issues: Defense Military Personnel Family

PATTY MURRAY'S WASHINGTON VIEW

U.S. Senator Patty Murray's Weekly Report to the People of Washington - February 13, 2004

Easing the Burden on Our Guard & Reserve Families

This week, I introduced a bill to help the families of our Guard and Reserve members. Currently, our state is experiencing the largest deployment of our Guard since World War II. These long deployments place special burdens on family members. For example, when a husband or wife is deployed, the remaining spouse often experiences a significant loss in income and may need to find a job and pay for child care. Guard and Reserve members often don't get the support services that are available to full-time military personnel. On January 9, I met with members of the 81st Brigade and their families at Camp Murray and Fort Lewis. I heard about the difficulties they're experiencing and promised to do whatever I could in the Senate to help.

So this week, I introduced a bill to address the challenges that families shared with me. The Guard and Reserve Enhanced Benefits Act of 2004 (S.2068) would provide expanded health care, family assistance, education, and financial benefits.

We are asking so much of our Guard and Reserve members and their families. We have an obligation to make it easier for their spouses and children during these long deployments.

Bill Details:

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