The State Senate today approved SB 997, a bill by Senator Nell Soto (D – Pomona) to establish the State Military Reserve and Naval Militia Length of Service Award Act. 

Soto’s bill focuses on those State Military and Naval Militia reservists who are unpaid volunteers and work for the state.  These members remain in place of the California National Guard when the Guardsmen have been called to duty outside of the state.

“Currently, there is no benefit of recognition for the much needed and valuable volunteer work that these servicemen and women provide,” Soto says.  “Members of the State Military and Naval Militia work under the same conditions as members of the National Guard, but they are not even reimbursed for their expenses while providing a great service to the citizens and residents of the state.” 

SB 997 would appropriate funds to pay a small stipend to members of the State Military and Naval Militia who have served a minimum of 10 years as volunteers. The award would be $100 a month, for life.

“At a time when the members of the California National Guard are being called to duty at an overwhelming rate,” Soto adds, “we should be stepping up to the plate to provide a small financial benefit to those who volunteer to remain in their place, even if the benefit is minimal compared to the work they do.”