Iowa recognized for National Guard benefits 

            Iowa ranks high in state National Guard benefits, according to the results of a recent survey.

            As one of the sponsors of the “10-point Service Members Support Agenda” that was approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Vilsack, I am pleased that our efforts are truly benefiting servicemembers and their families.

             The new study, conducted by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Military Community and Family Policy, surveyed all 50 states to see the varied strategies used to make life easier for deployed reservists and their families.

            Although states must enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the Soldiers and Sailor Civil Relief Act, many have stepped forward to assist the men and women called to active duty and their families far beyond the basic requirements.

            With more than 40 percent of the National Guard and Reserves currently engaged in overseas military operations, states have responded to the unique challenges with such measures as protecting families from foreclosure, enhancing educational benefits and facilitating easy access of professional licenses. 

            The study analyzed benefits in six categories: family support, educational benefits, licensing and registration benefits, tax and financial benefits, state employee benefits, and other support and benefits.   

            “Iowa is proud to provide our men and women in the National Guard with benefits in all six categories measured by the NGA,” Governor Tom Vilsack said.  “We are proud to support our men and women in the National Guard.”  

            Iowa provides its National Guard members with comprehensive benefits, including:

·        Family support: Up to three free counseling sessions for members and their families after completing activation.

·        Educational benefits: $2,700 per semester for full-time students, which equates to full-time tuition cost for Iowa public universities; $196 per semester hour for part-time students; state schools refund tuition to mobilized soldiers; and private schools refund on a case-by-case basis per the specific school's policy.

·        Licensing and registration benefits: Registration penalties forgiven for deployed military member for both vehicle registration and driver's license; refund for any unused registration while deployed military member's vehicle is in storage; and remote renewal of current driver's license via Internet. 

·        Tax and financial benefits: Military pay is exempt from state tax and delayed filing during activation; $12,000 military death gratuity is state tax exempt; terminate lease with written notice when activated more than 90 days; and automatic extension on late tax filing.

·        State Employee benefits: National Guard members who are state employees receive pay difference between state salary and military pay, as well as guaranteed reinstatement and health benefits.

·        Other support and benefits: Granted veteran status when activated for 90 days or more.