On 4th of July, Merkley Says It's Time to Give Troops Respect They Deserve

Renews Call for Tax Relief, Quality Health Care, Free Tuition for Family of Fallen Soldiers

On the Fourth of July, House Speaker Jeff Merkley, candidate for U.S. Senate, is renewing his call for tax relief for our troops, quality health care for our veterans and men and women in uniform, and free tuition for the families of fallen soldiers.

"During this important holiday I will join with thousands of Oregonians to celebrate the birth of America and honor the sacrifice and dedication of our troops," said House Speaker Jeff Merkley, candidate for U.S. Senate. "These men and women have done everything we ask of them and deserve our undying respect. While we have delivered for veterans here in Oregon, politicians in Washington, D.C. have denied our troops a tax deduction for their combat pay and proper health care when they return home. It is time to give our troops the respect they deserve."

As Speaker of the Oregon House, Merkley delivered for veterans and men and women in uniform in Oregon. Under Merkley's leadership, the 2007 legislature:

* Improved health care for veterans;
* Cut taxes for more members of the Oregon National Guard;
* Expanded financial aid for veterans pursuing full or part-time study or training; and
* Established new public service opportunities for veterans.

Merkley has a plan to give America's veterans and men and women in uniform the respect they deserve. In the U.S. Senate, Merkley will:

* Fully fund the VA health care system;
* Extend full VA and other benefits to members of the National Guard who have been deployed overseas;
* Revise deployment guidelines that require servicemen and women be given at least as much time at home as they spend on each tour of duty;
* Increase funding for mental health services to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan;
* Immediately enact concurrent receipt benefits to allow disabled veterans to collect their full retirement pay when they leave service; and
* Ensure proper screening and treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury for returning veterans.

Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers

Under Merkley's leadership, the 2007 Oregon Legislature passed legislation to honor the sacrifice of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country in Iraq and Afghanistan by promising free tuition to their family members.

Merkley has announced that in the U.S. Senate he will fight for the same commitment. In the U.S. Senate, Merkley will work to provide free tuition to four-year colleges and technical schools for the spouses and children of those who die in the line of duty serving our country.

Posted July 3, 2008
Press