Governor Sebelius Signs Law Providing $250,000 in Life Insurance for Members of the Kansas National Guard

Governor Sebelius Signs Law Providing $250,000 in Life Insurance for Members of the Kansas National Guard

Guard members join Governor for ceremonial signings in Topeka, Iola

Surrounded by members of the Kansas National Guard, Governor Kathleen Sebelius ceremonial signed Senate Bill 1, which provides $250,000 in life insurance for members of the Kansas National Guard on active duty in a combat zone.

The signings were held in Topeka at the State Defense Building and in Iola at the National Guard Armory. At both signings, Governor Sebelius was joined by Colonel Bill Vonderschmidt of the Kansas National Guard. In Iola, the bill's sponsor Senator Derek Schmidt was also in attendance.

"Every day, men and women from Kansas place their lives on hold to serve on active duty, putting their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom. Sadly, some of these patriots do not return home," the Governor said.

"No amount of money can ever replace a loved one, but by providing Kansas National Guard soldiers on active duty with cost-free life insurance, we can give their families a measure of financial security," Governor Sebelius said.

The bill reimburses Kansas National Guard members on active duty in a combat zone for the premiums on $250,000 life insurance policies. This takes the place of the death benefit passed earlier this year.

In addition to the life insurance benefit, the bill grants 2004 vehicle registration tax exemptions to military personnel who are in the full-time military service, are absent from the State on military orders on the date of application for registration and maintain their vehicles outside of Kansas, or are mobilized or deployed on the date of application for registration. The bill also sets up a refund process for previously paid taxes.

Governor Sebelius officially signed the bill into law on July 14, 2005.

http://www.ksgovernor.org/news/docs/news_rel080105a.html