Governor Ivey Signs Bills to Enhance Benefits for Alabama Military Members, Veterans and Their Families

Governor Ivey Signs Bills to Enhance Benefits for Alabama Military Members, Veterans and Their Families

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has signed into law legislation passed this session to expand benefits for Alabama Guard personnel, veterans and their families. These new laws will improve education and workforce training assistance for Guardsmen, offer temporary teaching certification for veterans and expand employment opportunities for military and veteran spouses.

“Alabamians are among the most patriotic Americans and their dedication to protect our country and safeguard our freedom continually deserves our praise and support,” said Governor Ivey.  “I was pleased to sign into law this session legislation addressing military education and workforce training benefits and promoting greater employment opportunities for military spouses. These measures and others I have signed further demonstrate our gratitude to our military and their families for their service as well as leveraging their unique skills in growing Alabama’s workforce.”

Legislation signed by Governor Ivey to benefit military members and veterans include:

Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (HB233)
Expands ANGEAP tuition assistance for Alabama Guardsmen to include workforce development training in addition to traditional degree programs. Furthermore, it ensures more timely delivery of education assistance funds to students’ accounts.

Expanding Employment Opportunities for Military Families (HB307)

Enhances state government hiring and promotion preferences for military spouses and authorizes local government and private sector employers to give preferences to veterans and the spouses of veterans and active-duty service members in their hiring processes.

Accepting Military Training for EMS Licensure (HB182)
Requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to accept an applicant’s education, training and experience gained during U.S. military service as credit toward meeting state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) license requirements.

Alabama National Guard State Income Tax Exemption (HB341)
Exempts Alabama National Guard personnel from paying state income tax on the first $5,000 of income received for inactive duty training, beginning January 1, 2027

Veterans Temporary Teaching Certificate (SB149)
Authorizes the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who would otherwise need at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify.  This will address teacher shortages while affording veterans the opportunity to serve Alabama students in the classroom.

Removing Home Loan Barrier for Totally Disabled Veterans (HB77)
Allows a 100-percent-disabled veteran to receive a tentative property exemption certificate at the beginning of their mortgage application process, making it easier for them to qualify for a home loan and obtain a home of their own.

Exempting Totally Disabled Veterans from Annual Homestead Exemption Verification (HB155)
Removes the requirement for an annual verification of homestead exemptions for permanent and totally disabled veterans who have already qualified.

Enhancing Student Access to Military Career Pathways (SB158)

Requires Alabama high schools to offer their students greater access to military career pathways through annual voluntary Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) testing, administered by military recruiters.

Updating Alabama Military Awards (HB323)

Modernizes Alabama’s military awards protocol while ensuring that past service is appropriately recognized. It clarifies award criteria, reinforces the significance of honors such as the Governor’s Cross and Distinguished Service Medal, and expands recognition to reflect the full scope of service. It also allows for certain awards to be granted retroactively.

Governor Ivey believes Alabama’s military, veterans and their families are not only an invaluable asset to the state, but they also help build a stronger future for all.

A photo of Governor Ivey signing HB155 is attached.

EANGUS Roll Call: Drill Weekend Talking Points – SEP 2022

Sep 2, 2022 | Roll Call

To:      EANGUS Members
From:  EANGUS National Office

Please share the following Roll Call: Drill Weekend Talking Points with other unit members


Every year, EANGUS develops priorities based on the grassroots input of our members using the resolutions process. We use this information to advocate in Congress to ensure the capabilities, equipment, and benefits for our Army and Air Servicemembers and to ensure they have the ability to execute their Total Force mission.

This Year in Little Rock, AR, our Resolutions Team discussed, and the delegates passed the following Resolutions;

2022 EANGUS Resolutions

  • 22-01 Implementation of Maternity Leave Benefits
  • 22-02 ANG Federal Tuition Assistance
  • 22-03 Total Force Policy
  • 22-04 National Guard Cybersecurity Support Act
  • 22-05 Amend tax code to change the above-the-line deductions 22-06 TSP Contribution Limits
  • 22-07 Tax Penalties Waiver
  • 22-08 Spouse Employment
  • 22-09 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • 22-10 DOD Armed Services Fitness Center Initiative
  • 22-11 Amendment to EANGUS Resolution 21-07
  • 22-12 NDAA Support for increasing AGR End Strength
  • 22-13 TRICARE for All
  • 22-14 Call for Fire Trainer Modernization
  • 22-15 Limited Federal Retirement Points for non-federal service 22-16 Language change in Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • 22-17 Eliminate 5-Year Requirement for VA Health Care
  • 22-18 Child Care Assistance Program
  • 22-19 Support the structure and equipment issues endorsed by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)and the Adjutants General Association of the United States (AGAUS).
  • 22-20 EANGUS appreciation of Little Rock, Arkansas, the Arkansas Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, and Auxiliary

 

The 2022 Resolutions passed by our members will be used to develop the EANGUS Legislative Priorities. Our Legislative Director greatly appreciates all the hard work and dedication that went into this year’s Resolutions process. If you have anything to add or have questions regarding any of the EANGUS legislative priorities, please feel free to contact the EANGUS Legislative team.

Please visit www.eangus.org/legislative for updates on our current priorities, information papers, resolutions, legislative letters, testimony, or contact information for the EANGUS Legislative Director.

Legislative Action Center


Legislative Events

The EANGUS Legislative Team has developed a new 4-part information, training, and update Summit program. There will now be four Quarterly Summits that will provide this information to our members. Two will be conducted via Zoom, and these dates will be announced as we get closer to the event. There will also be two in-person meetings. One will be on the 16-17th of November 2022, focusing on three issues and giving all the participants an in-depth look at each issue and white paper. We ask that all participants make as many appointments with their Congressional Members and staff on the 17th of November and brief those topics along with any state issues you may have in your priorities. This is our opportunity to get a jump on legislation going into the 118th Congress. The second event will be the Legislative Workshop on 12-15 February 2023. This event will focus on hearing from our Sr. Leaders from NGB, Congressional Staff, other association legislative staff members, and training to aid in the legislative process. This event is how your EANGUS Legislative Committee solidifies our positions and starts the legislative information process in Congress.

We eagerly anticipate this year’s events. Your participation is crucial to the EANGUS Legislative Team.
Registration information will be announced and available soon.


 

EANGUS Healthcare Survey

EANGUS invites you to take a brief 30-second survey to provide your feedback on the importance of healthcare and your military service.

Take the Survey


From our
EANGUS Platinum Partners

IWU will award two (2) full-tuition scholarships to eligible EANGUS members, spouses, or dependent children for associate, bachelor, or master’s degrees at IWU-National & Global (Online and Regional campuses ONLY). Any of IWU’s doctoral degree or degrees offered on the main campus or Wesley Seminary will not be included.


Opens 1 August and Closes 1 November 2022

Scholarship recipients must begin on or before May 2023

To Apply go to the EANGUS SCHOLARSHIP SITE

Other helpful links:

Click here for IWU Information


Click here for IWU Military Page


EANGUS Resources

 

The Foundation has received funding from USAA for the EANGUS We Care for America National Guard Emergency Relief Grant and Interest-Free Loan Program.

With thousands of National Guard members and their families facing financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the We Care for America Foundation have teamed up to help National Guard members and families in need.

Go to the EANGUS-WCFA website for the criteria to apply for a WCFA Grants and Interest-Free Loans.

EANGUS-WCFA Programs


Did you know there are several ways to donate to the We Care for America Foundation?

Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select “EANGUS We Care for America Foundation Inc” as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They’ll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.

How it works: 
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on “AmazonSmile” within Programs & Features
3. Select “EANGUS We Care For America Foundation Inc” as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app

 


 

 


OPERATION VETCARE

Operation VetCare was established in 2017 by EANGUS as a program designed to assist Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families who face special issues or challenges associated with military service. This program has continued to grow over the last several years. Assistance provided through this program may vary based on the limited funds available but may assist by providing support in the form of gift cards for food, clothing, and other necessary items during a service-related crisis.  Through this program, EANGUS has been able to assist hundreds of people during a time of significant need. Click button for more information on how you can support this initiative through donations or to request assistance.

Operation VetCare


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