House Republican Press Release

May 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Kalinowski Votes Increase National Guard Bonus Pay

Bill Passed by House Today Increases Service Bonus for Service in Combat Zones

HARTFORD – State Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-100) today voted in favor of bill that increases service bonus pay to members of the Connecticut National Guard that serve in combat zones.  The bill also establishes bonuses for active service outside of a combat zone by members of the Connecticut National Guard.

State law now entitles current or former guard members who are called into active service after September 11^th, 2001, to a bonus.  As it stands, the bonus is $50 for each month of active service and up to $500 for members activated for at least 90 consecutive days, deployed in a designated combat zone, or honorably discharged due to an injury in the line of duty.

The measure increases the maximum bonus for guard members up to $1,200.  It also establishes a maximum bonus of $500 for guard members whose active service was not in a combat zone.

“Members of the state’s armed forces ought to be more adequately compensated when activated or deployed,” said Kalinowski, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  “These soldiers are defending our liberty and freedom, and they deserve every possible gratitude we can give.”

Kalinowski, a co-sponsor of the bill, previously voted for the measure, HB 6949, An Act Concerning A Service Bonus For Certain Members of the Connecticut National Guard On Active Service With The Armed Forces, when it came before the Veterans’ Affairs Committee on March 1^st. 

The bill now goes to the State Senate for action there.  This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight, Wednesday, June 6^th, 2007.