Financial Help for Reservists

I read with interest your article regarding the financial difficulties of military reservists (“Still Fighting the Battle of the Bills,” March 23). I thought you might be interested in a number of measures moving through the California Legislature providing financial assistance to reservists by augmenting the federal Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1941, which is helpful but inadequate to many families in California.

The Senate recently passed my Senate Bill 1, which would allow reservists to postpone mortgage, auto, retail credit and property tax payments for 180 days, while protecting the credit ratings of the reservist’s family. This bill will also provide for the reinstatement of health and auto insurance upon their return from active duty without waiting periods or exclusion of coverage.

Senate Bill 4 will allow reservists to file court action to receive actual damages and reasonable attorney fees from an employer who refuses to reinstate a returning reservist.

Your article correctly points out the problem military families have with increased telephone bills. AB 554 instructs the PUC to establish a procedure to prohibit phone companies from disconnecting telephone service for non-payment of bills and develop a repayment plan for reservists’ families.

By all estimates, many of the 11,500 California reservists already called to active duty will be required to stay an additional five to six months in the Gulf. More reservists are being activated daily to rebuild and police Kuwait in this time of reconstruction. This is the first time in history that reservists have been called to active duty in such high numbers. For the families and dependents this war is far from over, and its effects will be felt long after the return of all our reservists and active duty personnel. California is attempting to lead the way, with relief now, as our men and women fulfill their duties in the Persian Gulf.

CHARLES M. CALDERON

Chair, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee

D-Whittier