Nevada Appeal Capitol Bureau
US Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev., has introduced legislation to provide financial support to families of mobilized National Guard and reserve members.
He said the Voluntary Support for Reservists and National Guard Members Act is an attempt to reduce the financial burden caused when military personnel have to leave full time jobs because they are activated.
"Nevada alone has more than 3,000 guardsmen and women and 1,000 reservists - many of whom work full time jobs when they're not on active duty," he said.
The bill allows and encourages Americans to designate some or all of their income tax refunds to the Reserve Income Replacement Program. Those funds will be paid out to eligible members of the guard or reserve who are on active duty and experiencing a monthly loss of at least $50 in income.
Reid said taxpayers received $246 billion in refunds from the IRS in 2007. He said if even a small percentage of that is contributed to the fund, it could make a significant difference in the lives of those military families.