April 16, 2007

Legislator Mangano Votes to Improve Benefits for County’s Military Reservists

Legislator Edward P. Mangano voted to pass an ordinance clarifying the assistance to be given to county workers who are called away from their full time jobs to active military service due to Operation Enduring Freedom or related operations in the War on Terrorism.

The legislation provides that, if any county employee who is a member of a military reserve or the National Guard is called away to active duty, the reservist’s income will remain secure during this leave. The county will ensure that the reservists’ households will not be disrupted any more than is necessary due to the reservists’ service. Thus, for the duration of the activation, the county will compensate the reservist for the difference between his or her county pay and military pay received.

The new ordinance is meant to clarify the terms of this compensation and explain that the modest military “Basic Allowance for Housing” or “Basic Allowance for Subsistence” payments made to the reservists are not included in the amount that must be reimbursed to the county.

“I want to encourage employees to serve in the reserves or the national guard without the fear that they will lose the ability to care for their family if called to duty. I support this legislation and the men and women who risk their lives to protect us,” stated Legislator Mangano.