National Network of Legislators in the Military Releases First-Ever Survey of State Legislators Who Serve in Reserve Duty

Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) is the only one from California

Boston, MA – At the ongoing Annual Meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the National Network of Legislators in the Military (NNLM) today released the results of a first-ever survey of State Legislators who also serve in the Military Reserves or the National Guard.

Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) is one of only 68 Legislators nationwide – from a total of more than 7,300 across the 50 states - who also serves his country in uniform.  He is also the only one from California (Assemblymember Chuck DeVore, who is listed on the Survey, retired from the National Guard three months ago).  Lieu is currently a Major in the Air Force Reserves, after previously serving active duty.

The survey was initiated by Hawaii State Representative Mark Takai, who is a Captain in the Hawaii National Guard, in order to gain a better perspective on the dual roles that Legislators face when they must serve their constituents and their country at the same time. 

Lieu praised Takai for his effort: “Representative Takai has spent countless hours compiling this information from across the country.  Hopefully now other Reservists and National Guard members who might be considering a run for office will realize that it can be done.  At a time when our nation is at war, we need more elected officials who understand the life of a member of the military.”

Lieu went on to indicate that legislators who have served in uniform may be more likely to tackle issues that affect service members.  For example, he is currently authoring
AB 7, to protect military members from some predatory lending practices; AB 69, which prohibits lenders from suggesting that their services are affiliated with the military; and AB 392, which grants military spouses 10 days of unpaid leave when their spouse returns from a deployment.

Please see the attached press release from NCSL on the project.