I don't know how many of you have been keeping tabs on this act, or if you've even heard of it, but I want to do my part to get the word out. See, the Soldier's and Sailor's Act was set long ago, enabling members of our armed services to keep their home state as their state of residency despite being sent via orders all over the country and the world. Stationed in Maine? That's ok, keep Kansas as your home state. Stationed in Japan? That's all right too. The thing is, most states do not extend this privilege on to the other members of the military family. This means in most states driver's licenses have to be changed. You have to re-register to vote. Your car tags must be changed. If you work, you pay your taxes to the new state. There are ways to work around some of this, of course but for the most part it is a major pain in the butt. I know MANY spouses never change licenses, either thinking the Act pertains to them as well or hoping they just never get pulled over. Many just don't vote because it is easier. Many vehicles and other property ends up solely in the service member's name to keep it registered in the home state for ease.
What the MSRRA does is extend the rights and priveleges of residency that the service member enjoys to his/her spouse. As a spouse who has moved from Kansas to Northern Maine to Northern Michigan to Southern Maine in the last 7 years, I know it would have made my life much easier to know that no matter where I am I am a legal resident of the state of Kansas. Forever and Always.
If you are so inclined, please visit following site and look up your local reps (and/or homestate reps if you are a military member/spouse) and either thank them for their support or urge them to join in. We deserve a home state too! http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bi ll=12788061
1 comment:
Thanks for explaining it in simple terms. Sounds like common sense to me. I emailed my representative. :)
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