House Republican Press Release

April 29, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Rowe Supports National Guard Members

State Rep. T.R. Rowe, R-123, Trumbull, has cosponsored and voted for legislation to protect National Guard members who have been ordered into active state service such as a disaster response.

Rep. Rowe strongly supported SB 314, which gives National Guard members the same protection two federal laws give to service members in active federal service.

These protections include reemployment rights after returning from service, as well as protecting rights while in active-duty service. The in-service rights address such issues as interest rates, rental and lease agreements, eviction, health and life insurance, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings and income tax payments.

“National Guard members who are ordered to active service to protect the people of the state should not face financial and job losses, as a result of that service,” said Rep. Rowe. “This legislation aims to protect National Guard members from discrimination or adverse treatment because of their active-duty service. This legislation provides fair treatment for National Guard members.”

Under the legislation, an active duty National Guard member will be able to have lawsuits delayed, be prevented from being evicted from homes, having mortgages foreclosed and protects from other similar actions against them.

The legislation had previously passed the state Senate, and Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to sign it into law.