Veterans
News on active duty and veterans impacting public employee union members

Union Business, Community and Legislative Affairs

The OCSEA State Board of Directors has a Veterans Advisory Committee that directs its attention to issues impacting union members on active duty and military veterans.

UNION BUSINESS In August 2005, the committee supported a change in the OCSEA Constitution & Bylaws that maintains a member's active dues paying status while he or she is on Military Leave.

Previously, the constitution allowed for a grace period of 180 days. The new language removes the time limitation and extends the active membership status throughout the duration of the military leave.

COMMUNITY The committee is encouraging OCSEA chapters, assemblies and district councils to consider what they can do to help military families who have loved ones on active duty through Adopt-A-Platoon and programs designed to help military children.

Other recent civic actions by the committee include:

• The committee sponsors an annual Soap Box Derby participant each year.

• Approved giving money to the Ohio Veterans home for Christmas presents for indigent veterans.

• Continues the ongoing collection of toiletries for indigent veterans at the Brecksville VA facilities.

LEGISLATION  Recent legislative actions by the committee include:

• Supported legislation which would allow reservists to buy back their time for retirement purposes (HB 71).

• Supported legislation which would exempt active duty military personnel from having to pay property taxes (HB 70 ).

• Supported legislation to exempt military pay from Ohio taxation (HB 378).