Governor Granholm Signs Statement Supporting State Employees in the National Guard, Reserves

November 14, 2003

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Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed a Statement of Support for the State of Michigan's Guard and Reserve employees, joining 45 other governors and hundreds of other employers in pledging support for our troops.

"Employers share their greatest resource - their employees - to protect our country's peace and freedom across the globe," Granholm said. "It is important that state government join with other employers to recognize the vital role these men and women serve in the continuation of our strong national defense, both at home and abroad."

The Statement of Support is sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense that serves two important purposes: to demonstrate the strong level of support for our Guard and Reserve, and to send a clear message to service members that while they're serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.

By signing the statement today, the Governor has pledged that state employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard or Reserve, that state employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of service in the Guard or Reserve, and that state employees will be granted leaves of absence for military training in the Guard or Reserve consistent with existing laws without sacrifice of vacation.

Michigan is one of the largest employers of guardsmen and reservists in the nation. Under civil services rules, the State of Michigan ensures that mobilized guardsmen and reservists maintain their salary and benefits for the duration of active military duty. Additionally, the state requires continued medical insurance coverage for employees while on a military leave of absence. Neither of these benefits is required by law.

In addition to signing a Statement of Support, Granholm signed a proclamation earlier this year dedicating the week of week of August 17, 2003, as Michigan Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week in Michigan.

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve as defined by demonstrated employer commitment to employee military service.