March 29, 2007
Legislation ensures job left behind is there upon return
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today applauded the Michigan House of Representatives for passing legislation to strengthen employment protections for Michigan citizens called to serve in the military. Granholm called for the additional protections in her 2006 State of the State address.
"It is impossible to calculate the debt we owe the men and women who serve our country in military service across the globe," Granholm said. "The least we can do is ensure that when they return to their families and their communities here in Michigan, they have the opportunity to work."
House Bill 4292, which passed unanimously, ensures that a person called to military service in the National Guard or Army reserves, can reapply for employment with their previous employer within 90 days of their release from military service. Currently, military personnel have just 15 days to reapply. In addition, the bill allows qualifying military personnel to bring suit against an employer if they are denied reemployment.
Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, nearly 85 percent of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard have been deployed around the globe, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Cuba. Currently, more than 1,600 men and women are serving overseas.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell), now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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