7 April 2005

Governor signs bill to authorize memorials to Kansas veterans

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed into law a bill allowing the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs to build and maintain memorials for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“We are asking more of our men and women in uniform and they have yet to tell us that the burden is too heavy or the challenge too great. As we take steps to ease the financial and family burden of military service, it is also important that we honor that service. That’s why I’m signing this bill to allow the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs to construct memorials honoring our veterans,” Governor Sebelius said.

SB 110 authorizes the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs to construct and maintain memorials for veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Memorials for veterans will be located on state-owned property of the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs and be financed from private donations to the Kansas Veterans Memorials Fund in the State Treasury.

In related news, on Wednesday the Governor signed legislation granting a Kansas income tax exemption for certain bonuses paid by the military to Kansas active duty, reserve, and guard personnel. And in January, she announced the Kansas Military Bill of Rights, a package of incentives and benefits designed to ease the burden of service in the armed forces.

At that time the Governor signed an executive directive allowing the state to make up the difference between pay and allowances National Guard members and reservists receive from the military and their state salary at the time they were called to active duty. Additionally, a one-time payment of $1,000 goes to state employees in the National Guard and reserves upon activation for 180 days or more. These payments are retroactive for all activations since September 11, 2001.