Democrats in Virginia announced a new Military Veterans & Personnel Bill of Rights to provide state income tax breaks to National Guard troops, give our troops access to the Virginia government’s life insurance program, and allow troops and their spouses to freeze access to their credit reports while they’re overseas to prevent identity theft.

Del. Brian Moran, chairman of the house Democratic caucus, and Del. Joe Bouchard, D-Virginia Beach, announced the effort in a news conference. Moran said the bill would codify an executive order by Gov. Tim Kaine to make up the difference in pay for state employees activated to military duty for which they earn a smaller salary.

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“This is an area where I believe the federal government is not doing what needs to be done,” said Moran, who represents Alexandria.

Similar measures were put into place by an executive order by then Gov. Mark Warner, but

...since executive orders can be changed, this bill would write that provision into the state code. In addition, state workers who end up serving longer than 90 days would qualify for supplemental pay, said Moran.

Virginia blog Raising Kaine dubbed the bill, “taking care of our soldiers.”

Brian was also named New Dem of the Week by the Democratic Leadership Council for this proposal.

Delegate Moran understands that Iraq is the most intense and prolonged combat our troops have seen since Vietnam. They and their families deserve our full support both during and after their service, which is why he will propose this legislation to the 2008 General Assembly.

Click here to read the full press release.