Press Conference, Speeches dealing with the Military Bill of Rights

Congressman Chandler's Speech link.

The Military Bill of Rights

Here is the press release from Jonathan Miller's office:

Treasurer Jonathan Miller introduces Military Families’ Bill of Rights
Sen. Bayh, Rep. Chandler, join to promote effort on behalf of military families, veterans

Louisville KY, August 17, 2005—Kentucky State Treasurer Jonathan Miller today introduced the Military Families’ Bill of Rights (MFBR), an initiative to provide support and relief for military families – active duty, Guard, and Reserve – and veterans. According to the Bill, the Treasurer’s Office will provide financial education and "money mentoring" through private/public partnerships. Additionally the MFBR calls for legislation at the state and federal levels to address various concerns, mostly financial and health care related, and suggests a variety of measures to improve the lives and wellbeing of military families, military retirees, and veterans.

"It is only right that we help provide financial security for the families of those brave men and women who are providing for our nation’s security," stated Treasurer Miller. "That's what the Military Families’ Bill of Rights is all about."

Delivering the keynote address at the press conference announcing the MFBR, Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana talked about his own legislative efforts to protect military families. Sen. Bayh has introduced the Patriot Penalty Elimination Act, which would fully compensate 99 percent of Guard and Reserve members who have suffered pay cuts as a result of deployment. Bayh's Servicemembers Home Protection Act would increase penalties for companies and institutions that violate the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which protects military families from foreclosure and eviction, and would require the Department of Defense to better educate military families about their rights under that law.

"It's not right to force the men and women in the Guard and Reserves to choose between love of country and love for their family," Senator Bayh said. "When our troops are out defending our country, they shouldn't have to worry about who is protecting their homes. My legislation will eliminate the Patriot Penalty and protect our military families from eviction when a loved one is serving overseas. Our Guard and Reserve families make countless sacrifices when a loved one is deployed - financial hardship because of their service should not be one of them."

Also speaking at the event, Congressman Ben Chandler (KY-6) called on the government to fulfill its moral obligation to those who have fought for freedom and democracy. "When Kentucky's veterans answered the call to duty, they showed our nation the ultimate respect. In return, they deserve no less from their government and fellow citizens," said Congressman Chandler, adding, "We made promises to our Veterans, and we must uphold those promises." Well known as a champion of veterans’ issues, Chandler is equally committed to today’s troops and is an original cosponsor of the comprehensive New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century.

Additional speakers included State Representative Scott Brinkman (Jefferson); Col. James Mutter (USMC, Ret.), a volunteer and past president of the National Military Families Association; Debora Nichols, President of Blue Star Mothers of the Bluegrass and Sergeant at Arms of the Blue Star Mothers of America.