Illinois led the charge last year when it began letting taxpayers check a box on their state tax returns to donate their tax refunds to families of deployed National Guardsmen and Reservists.
Now Illinois' example-which has paid out $2.7 million so far to more than 5,000 military families-is quickly catching on.
Nine other states (California, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and Wyoming) now offer similar programs, and 24 more are pushing bills through their legislatures to set up their own programs.
But Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, the architect of the Illinois program, believes every state needs a military family relief fund.
That was the message he, NGAUS and other military associations delivered to the press at The National Guard Memonal in Washington, D.C., March 22.
The lieutenant governor cited a recent study showing that 55 percent of Guardsmen and Reservists report a loss of income while on active duty.
"There are thousands of dependants on our nation's citizen-soldiers who have plenty to worry about when their loved ones are stationed on the frontlines in the fight against terrorism," he said. "They shouldn't be worrying about paying the rent or utility bill."
One of those already assisted is Illinois Army 1st Lt. Steven Rice, who lost his leg in a Baghdad explosion last year. He and his family received two grants that have helped with living expenses during his rehabilitation.
Lieutenant Rice joined the others at the podium March 22 in calling for every state to follow Illinois' lead.
"There's nothing greater than taking care of those who take care of us at night," he said.
© 2005 National Guard Association of the United States Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Source: National Guard
