Legion representatives attend press conference introducing Military Family Stability Act, which provides geographic stability either before or after servicemember’s permanent change of station.
During a press conference on Capitol Hill Oct. 6, Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) unveiled the Military Family Stability Act of 2015. While the pending legislation was introduced, American Legion representatives stood in support of the bill along with various stakeholders, including Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Military Officers Association of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Although the size and mission of the military fluctuates in wartime and during peace, one thing will remain the same. At some point, servicemembers and their families will receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and have to pick up and move to fulfill the needs of their branch of service.
PCS moves impact military families across the globe. Oftentimes children must change schools during the school year, causing undue stress, while spouses have to choose between their school programs and jobs.
This initiative aims to provide more stability to family members and troops by allowing additional time before or after the move date to finish academic semesters and seek new employment. New measures will alleviate some of the anxiety or stress servicemembers may feel during these stressful situations, allowing them to remain focused on their duties and missions.
Through this bill:
• Spouses would have the ability to report to the new location up to six months early to pursue new job opportunities or remain working at their current job for up to six months.
• Spouses pursuing degrees, certificates or licenses would be afforded the opportunity to finish their programs at least six months before moving to their following duty station.
• Dependent children would be able to remain in their current school, or move early to the next duty location to begin school during a natural summer or winter break.
• Flexibility for those caring for a family member with a chronic or long-term illness is increased.
• Dependents will receive their housing allowance at the "with dependents" rate for their location, with the servicemember provided housing or compensation at their location.
"The Military Family Stability Act will allow our family members to remain in their chosen career fields and reach their full academic potential without interruption," said military spouse Liz O'Brian. "It is an opportunity to invest in the futures of our military spouses, children, and military family readiness. Very thankful for the support of veterans service organizations and others such as The American Legion will help ensure this bill becomes law."
Military moves can be unnerving for servicemembers and their families, disrupting educational and career related pursuits. The American Legion supports efforts to create a more seamless transition process.
“Our nation’s heroes do not serve alone and this is a great opportunity to help better take care of our military families,” said Blunt.
- Legislative