SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford) introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 154, which designates May 25, 2006 as Yellow Ribbon Day.

Yellow Ribbon Day is a day signifying our support for military families and for our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure, co-authored by Assemblyman Joe Nation (D-San Rafael), received 61 additional co-authors and passed off the Assembly Floor.

“I know we’re all very busy, but it is important to take time out and reflect on the sacrifices being made by military families and our troops overseas,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “We have a very proud and heroic tradition of military service and we should be grateful to the men and women who serve our nation.”

Assemblywoman Parra, a former Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, is also authoring the following veterans’ affairs bills:

AB 2586, which updates current law to allow all veterans convicted of a crime, as opposed to only Vietnam Veterans, who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to be diverted into treatment programs as opposed to being incarcerated, only when certain criteria are met and at the discretion of the presiding Judge.

AB 2085 which would ensure more returning military servicemen and women are given assistance through the Military Family Relief Fund. If returning military personnel experience a drop in income of 10% or more from the amount received prior to deployment, they will be eligible for grants through this fund. Current disbursement of these funds is contingent on a 30% or greater loss of income.

AB 2101 would ensure both students and school districts do not experience adverse effects due to students missing school to attend the deployment or arrival of active-duty family members from deployments afar. The bill allows students to enroll in independent study to continue their lessons while being absent due to these significant life events.