Congressman Chris Gibson (Retired Colonel) just introduced in Military Family Stability Act. What do you think of this bill?

PFC Joseph Levi — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 16:41:20 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2015

Contact: Matt Sheehey
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Congressman Gibson introduces Military Family Stability Act
Bipartisan bill provides flexibility for troops and their loved ones during moves

Washington, DC – Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the introduction of legislation he authored to provide flexibility to troops and their families when they receive orders for a permanent change of station.

Congressman Gibson, a retired Army officer, introduced the bipartisan Military Family Stability Act today with original co-sponsors Congressmen Richard Nugent (FL-11), Beto O’Rourke (TX-16), and Tim Walz (MN-1).

“Having moved several times with my family during my Army career, I know firsthand how stressful it can be for military families to relocate,” said Congressman Gibson. “The members of our Armed Forces and their loved ones cope with significant emotional and financial challenges when they receive orders for a permanent change of station. It can be especially difficult for students facing a mid-semester move. Military families make enormous sacrifices to defend our freedoms. Our bill provides them with the flexibility they need to make a successful transition to their new jobs, schools, and communities.”

This Military Family Stability Act allows military spouses and family members to continue to work up to six months in their current job or, if they choose, move up to six months early to their next location to secure new full-time employment.

The legislation also allows military spouses to complete education they are already pursuing and eases the transition for the children of service members by providing scheduling flexibility with regard to the school calendar.

“In addition to supporting our military families, this common-sense legislation will help retain our highly talented officers and enlisted service members and decrease long-term relocation costs by improving the efficiency of moving personnel,” said Congressman Gibson.

The Military Family Stability Act is endorsed by the VFW, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans Support Foundation, Military Child Education Coalition, Blue Star Families, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) are planning to introduce companion legislation in the Senate.

Matt Sheehey
Press Secretary
Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19)
Office: [login to see]

Response by SFC Stephen King made Dec 9 at 2015 5:37 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 17:37:51 -0500

I like this. As I am set to transition soon I can see where there are benefits to my family.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Dec 9 at 2015 5:54 PM

BG David Fleming III — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 17:54:27 -0500

Excellent! I suppose what he's trying to do. Long overdue!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 9 at 2015 6:12 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:12:43 -0500

Having only PCS's twice and not at all since my kids started school (long story, but it isn't for not trying) I know my girls appreciated the continuity for school.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 9 at 2015 6:19 PM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:19:23 -0500

Awesome to see representatives stepping it up for the troops we need to see more of this from the DC elite.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Dec 9 at 2015 6:29 PM

SrA David Steyer — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:29:16 -0500

I know the USAF has a high school senior deferment but if you are an SNCO or FGO it may be hard to approve.

I know of a Lt Col who had six years time on station that was a doctor (not in a command position) and they said they may get orders soon but will try to put in for this deferement since their daughter was a senior and after that if they have to move that's fine. Last I knew they haven't moved yet.

I know of a command chief who had to keep his family behind because he wasn't able to get it approved for his son. He told us when people asked why he was living in the dorms, and where his family was.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Dec 9 at 2015 6:33 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:33:59 -0500

Seems like a great idea to me.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 9 at 2015 6:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:45:20 -0500

They should address the frequency of moves to improve stability.

Response by SPC David Glines made Dec 10 at 2015 12:09 AM

SPC David Glines — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 00:09:52 -0500

wish I had this while I served but it sounds good for the Troops currently Serving

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Dec 10 at 2015 8:32 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 08:32:11 -0500

Excellent legislation - thanks for sharing PFC Joseph Levi

Response by SGT Robert Deem made Dec 10 at 2015 9:06 AM

SGT Robert Deem — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 09:06:37 -0500

Having served on active duty with a family, and now as a military spouse, I have seen both sides of this coin. As injury prevents me from returning to my chosen profession, I am now looking at returning to school and pursuing a career in a new field. This legislation could go a long way to helping me achieve my goals with minimal disruption.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 10 at 2015 10:51 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:51:59 -0500

I like it. I wonder how it affects the servicemember and early reporting? I'm not sure how the Army works now in regards to that, but how could the spouse get housing and other basic needs if they leave early? Also how would this work in OCONUS moves? I think it's a move in the right direction nonetheless.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Dec 10 at 2015 12:48 PM

COL Ted Mc — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:48:55 -0500

PFC Joseph Levi - Private; Imagine that, actually expecting people to have some consideration for the needs of the families of the troops.

After all, it's not like no one knew that Camp Swampy was going need a "Technician, Vehicle, Light, Wheeled, Brakes, Front, Right" a year down the road.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Dec 10 at 2015 1:07 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:07:57 -0500

I see the initial blurb here, but being someone who has PCS'd several times, and currently the guy who handles PCS orders for Soldiers, I am interested in reading the entire bill. There is nothing stating that if a Spouse or child is still in school that they have to move with the SM at the time he/she moves. I have Soldiers leaving dependents where they currently are due to school, work, medical care, all kinds of reasons There is nothing mandating that the dependents move. That is a family decision. As for the Army, there are deferments, deletion, stabilization and hardship actions that can be applied for by the Soldier up the chain of command. Unless I am missing something, Soldiers and Family members already have the flexibility to do these things. Remember, the PCS is about the need of the Soldier at another location, the family members moving to that location is an entitlement that the Military allows, but is not required. The only time that comes into question is in location that are dependent restricted.

Again, I guess I would need to read the bill to see what the excitement is about, because as I stated before, this is already in play.

Half nickel of the day.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 5:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 17:39:58 -0500

That's wonderful! That's what we need in Washington. A military man who knows what it takes to make it easier for troops and their families. Glad to hear it.