If enacted, HB 2496 will guarantee that appropriations are made available from the Treasury for the families of deceased Coast Guard servicemen, facilitating their access to essential survivor benefits. This could have significant implications for state laws regarding the financial support and benefits provided to military families, ensuring they remain protected against gaps in funding as legislative sessions progress. The goal is to maintain a continuous flow of resources to support the families during challenging times following the loss of their loved ones in service.
Summary
House Bill 2496, titled the 'Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2023', seeks to provide interim appropriations for the Coast Guard Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans for each fiscal year following 2022. This bill aims to ensure that financial benefits are continually allocated to families of Coast Guard personnel who have died in the line of duty. The legislation acknowledges the sacrifices made by these individuals and attempts to provide them with the necessary support through sustained funding.
Contention
A notable point of discussion surrounding HB 2496 may involve the allocation of funds, primarily considering the fiscal responsibility of the state. While the intention behind the bill is commendable, underlying concerns may arise over ensuring that appropriations do not adversely affect other public funding priorities. There may also be debate on the scope of support needed for families of various branches of the military, and whether similar protections should be considered for spouses of servicemen across different branches like the Navy and Army.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.