House Republican Press Release

May 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. FREY VOTES TO INCREASE NATIONAL GUARD BONUS PAY

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) today hailed final House passage of a bi-partisan proposal to increase service bonus payments to Connecticut National Guard members who serve in combat zones and establishes bonuses for guard members' active service outside of a combat zone.

Rep. Frey said, “This is a small but significant way to more adequately compensate those National Guard members who are standing the line of defense for our nation, and helping ensure our freedom and liberty as Americans.” 

“These soldiers have the thanks and admiration of all Connecticut residents, and deserve to be more fairly compensated when activated.”

Under current law, current or former guard members called to active service on or after September 11, 2001 are entitled to a service bonus. The bonus is $ 50 for each month of active service or major part thereof, up to $ 500 for such members who (1) are or were in active service for at least 90 consecutive days; (2) while in such service, are or were deployed in a combat zone designated by the president; and (3) if discharged, were honorably discharged or discharged because of a line-of-duty injury.

Beginning July 1, 2007, this bill increases the maximum bonus for these guard members to $ 1,200. It establishes a $ 500 maximum bonus for otherwise qualified current or former guard members whose active service was not in a combat zone.

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.