House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Harkins: House Approves Bill Making Unemployment Benefits for Military Spouses Permanent

HARTFORD- State Representative John Harkins (R-Stratford) voted this week in favor of legislation that assures that spouses who leave their jobs to accompany their military spouses who are reassigned to out-of-state bases would not lose their eligibility for unemployment compensation on June 30^th.  Harkins is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under current law, military spouses who voluntarily leave their jobs to accompany their husbands or wives to out-of-state bases when they receive orders to relocate were only eligible for unemployment compensation if they left their jobs between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

“When you serve in the military, your family is your most important support structure,” said Harkins.  “The men and women who wear the uniform of our armed forces perform their duty of protecting our nation with great honor and devotion.  It is our duty to be certain that their government is doing all it can to support them in their difficult mission, and to assist their spouses in making a stressful event like a transfer and relocation less disruptive.” 

Harkins noted that in the military, as with most married couples, the income of both spouses is needed in the household to make ends meet.  “I hope this bill gives those military families a little more breathing room,” Harkins added.

The proposal (House Bill 5438) passed the House on a vote of 145 – 0, and now goes to the State Senate for final legislative approval.