RICHMOND, Va. – The voice of more than 10,000 current and former Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen is applauding legislation introduced in the General Assembly that benefits Guardsmen and their families.
Some of the benefits, such as House Bill (H.B.) 2261, are not new; but increase the amount of benefit for junior Soldiers and Airmen.
H.B. 2261, introduced by Del. Scott Wyatt (R-97), and co-patroned by Del. Glenn Davis (R-84), Del. Hyland “Buddy” Fowler, Jr. (R-55), Del. John J. McGuire, III (R-56), Del. Robert Orrock, Sr. (R-54) and Del. Bill Wiley (R-29), removes the registration fee for Guardsmen using the Virginia National Guard specialty plates. Currently, the benefit is for one-half the registration fee, up to two vehicles. If passed, the new benefit would be for no fee for one vehicle.
“Most of our junior Soldiers and Airmen only have one vehicle,” explained Maj. Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA president. “Our troops often drive hundreds of miles each month to get to and from drill– they don’t get reimbursed for travel, they don’t get a stipend, and they have to absorb the fuel, meals and fair wear and tear cost into their monthly budgets.”
According to the text of the bill, any person issued multiple sets of special license plates may continue to use such plates, provided that the renewal of such plates are in accordance with the Code of Virginia. H.B. 1796 is a similar bill which removes the fees for Virginia National Guard retiree specialty plates.
See the full text of H.B. 2261 here. Read the VNGA factsheet about H.B. 2261 here.
Other legislation is new and is focused on supporting National Guard employers.
H.B. 1771, introduced by Del. Nicholas J. Freitas (R-30) and Del. Mark L. Cole (R-88), creates a tax credit for employers of and self-employed members of the Virginia National Guard. The credit is either 25 percent or 15 percent depending on how many days the Soldier or Airmen had been activated. If activated for 65 days or more then the employer would receive 25 percent, if more than 44 but less than 65, only 15 percent.
“As the Virginia Guard continues to train and deploy for very complex missions at home and abroad, this type of legislation really helps our employers,” Czaplicki said. “Some of our Soldiers and Airmen deploy at the drop of a hat for 30, 40, or 400 days and rely on having a job to come home to—this bill helps our great employers manage without some of their highly trained employees.”
See the full text of H.B. 1771 here. Read the VNGA factsheet about H.B. 1771 here.
The association aims to educate and inform members of the General Assembly to assist with their formulation, debate and ultimate vote to enact these changes.
“These bills, and others, are great for our Guardsmen,” Czaplicki said. “We ask a lot of our Soldiers and Airmen and these are just a few ways we can make the serving in the Guard a bit easier.”
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Leaders are available for interviews or to appear as subject matter experts on issues related to the Virginia National Guard Association. Email contact@vnga.us to schedule an interview or appearance.
About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association is a recognized non-profit 501(c)(19) veterans’ service association representing over 10,000 Service Members of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired.