Politics & Government

Gov. Christie Signs Two Bills to Assist Military Veterans and Citizen Soldiers

Bills will establish funding for the families of deployed National Guard servicemen and women and provide funding to a a 24/7 free and confidential veteran helpline.

Before a room packed with National Guard men and women and their families at the Somerset National Guard Armory, Gov. Chris Christie signed two bills Friday morning to benefit Veterans and National Guard in the state.

The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council Fund will provide a funding source for the families of deployed National Guard. A check mark box will now be available on all state income tax returns, with the option for taxpayers to denote whether they would like to contribute to the fund.

After being collected by the state, the money will be distributed through the New Jersey National Guard Family Readiness Council, Christie said.

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Christie praised the bipartisan support for the bill, stating that "Caring for our servicemen is not a Democratic or Republican issue."

"This is the way you serve the people of a divided government,'' he said.

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The "Veteran to Veteran Peer Support Program" telephone helpline is a 24/7 free and confidential service for veterans returning from combat.

Friday's bill will provide an annual funding source for the helpline.

It will be staffed by peer counselors trained in a number of psychological issues, including post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The peer staffers will also provide guidance on marital and family problems, psychological disorders, and stress management, according to a press release from the governor's office.

These Veterans deal with "Overwhelming stress on mind and body that the average New Jersian will never know," Christie said.

The helpline is operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs with assistance from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the release said.

For more information on the helpline visit www.njveteranshelpline.org.


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