31 May 2005

Governor signs bill granting $250,000 to families of Kansas National Guard members killed in combat

As part of her continuing commitment to Kansans in uniform, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed into law a $250,000 benefit for families of Kansas National Guard members killed in action.

“Our servicemen and women volunteer to serve our state and our country. They make sacrifices every day to help protect us here at home,” Governor Sebelius said.

“When they make the ultimate sacrifice, we have a duty to care of their families. This benefit can never replace the loved one who is lost, but hopefully it can help prevent financial hardship and serve as a token of our state’s gratitude,” she continued.

The bill, HB 2518, grants a $250,000 aggregate death benefit to the beneficiary, beneficiaries, or estate of a member of the Kansas National Guard who dies while on federal active duty in a combat area, except as the result of suicide. The tax-free benefit will be authorized by the State Finance Council and the Adjutant General. It will be retroactively applied to deaths between Nov. 1, 2004 and prior to July 1, 2007.