Bill would let spouses keep state residency

[unhappycamper]

Bill would let spouses keep state residency
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Feb 28, 2009 10:12:21 EST

A bill that would allow military spouses to maintain residency in their home state regardless of where the military moves them has been introduced again in the House, and its twin has been introduced in the Senate.

Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, introduced the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act on Feb. 25, and senators Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the same bill in the Senate on the same day.

The bill would allow spouses to keep residency in their home state for tax and voting purposes, just as service members are allowed to do now, even if they are assigned elsewhere by the military.

“This provides recognition, equality and common sense treatment, and it can uncomplicate moving hassles for military families,” said Army wife Rebecca Poynter, who along with Navy wife Joanna Williamson has been working to get the law changed for military spouses.

Carter introduced the bill last year, but it was not brought up for consideration before the congressional session ended.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/02/military_spouse_residency_022809w/%2e

[izzie]

1. While my husband was in the service we always stayed

as voters. etc. in our home state. Their is some type law on this as we used to carry a copy with us as we used to have problems with our cars in some states. We, as a family, were under some type of law on this but I do not re-call the laws number. My husband was in the service for 20 years. :think: It came down to we were away from home because the govt. sent us not that we wanted to be or some such thing.

[Captain Hilts]

2. And for this reason college is generally MORE expensive for military kids because...

you either pay out of state rates where you are, or have to pay room and board in your far away 'home' state.

[izzie]

3. That would be true even if you get the in-state rates on schooling

It did make me feel better to have a home state.

[DrDan]

4. I thought this was always the case?

While I was active duty, my wife voted in her home state (at least that is the way I remember it - my aging mind could be failing me).

Of course, I spent most of my active duty time out-of-country - so maybe that created a different circumstance than this bill is trying to correct.