Legislative Issues
The NCNGA Legislative Initiatives and Resolutions Committee is diligently working to improve member benefits for our Soldiers and Airmen both active and retired. At the State level we have been successful over the last couple of years with increases to the State Tuition Assistance Program, implementation of a NC Readiness Center Transformation Plans, as well as voting representation on the North Carolina Military Affairs Council. Another ongoing effort is to design and build the NCNG Soldier & Airmen Customer Service Center and NCNG Museum & Education Center.
At the Federal level we work closely with the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) to identify legislation that supports the National Guard.
One of our most recent successes was in 2021, when we led a broad coalition of veteran service organizations in the successful passage of military pension tax exemption.
Grassroots Efforts – Your participation is key!
Your feedback and participation helps your Association remains relevant and engaged with our State Legislators and Congressional delegations. We work with the NCNG Legislative Liaisons, NGAUS, ENGAUS, MOAA, and other military veteran advocacy organizations that have aligned priorities. You can help advance military friendly legislation by calling, emailing, or visiting your elected officials in your home district. You can find who represents you by entering your address into the NC legislature finder at ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators. The Association will provide additional information on key issues and engagement opportunities as they arise or you can contact the NCNGA at Christine@ncnga.org or 984-664-0308.
State
Your Association’s state legislative agenda continues to focus on benefits available to those in uniform and the military retiree population of North Carolina.
Improvements to the North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Increasing demand and the rising cost of tuition continues to decrease funds available per applicant. Each year it is a delicate balance to distribute available funds across applicants. In the state legislature this year, additional TAP funding ($1.1 Million) was requested and will be determined by the new State budget once approved.
National Guard Pension Fund
Thanks to work during previous years and in coordination and support from the NC Treasurer’s Retirement Service Division, an additional $2 million of funding was made available to the pension fund on two year non-recurring basis. This ensured the pension was 94% funded. That positions us to ask for monthly benefit increases although a Statue (law) language change is required to implement an increase.
Reduced hunting and fishing license cost
Another effort that has been discussed was trying to get NC hunting and fishing license cost reduced for all military members (active or retired; all services).
Federal
At the Federal level, both the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) remain active in being our voice with our elected officials in D.C. While advocating for key legislation NGAUS continued to set the agenda for the upcoming years with the mantra of The Same Equipment, The Same Resources, The Same Benefits for the Same Mission. The full list of priorities for these organizations can be found at NGAUS.org, EANGUS.org, and MOAA.org. These websites also provide easy links to write your congressmen about ongoing initiatives.
Some Specific Federal agenda items with a direct impact on the North Carolina National Guard include:
Increased Full-time Manning and Support The National Guard and Reserve rely heavily on full-time support (FTS) personnel to train, administer, and maximize readiness for Reserve Component units. National Guard FTS levels should be resourced to meet requirements and ensure servicemembers continue to maintain readiness and lethality
Continued National Guard Integration in the Total Force Cyber Mission and Training The National Guard is and should continue to be a critical partner in developing, planning, and executing the Department of Defense strategy in the cyber domain.
Zero Cost TRICARE to Ensure Reserve Component Medical Readiness National Guard and Reserve servicemembers continue to face challenges in obtaining health care access to meet medical readiness requirements and ensuring continuity of care, especially when deploying overseas. Significant numbers of servicemembers without health care directly impacts National Guard deployability levels.
Opposing increases in TRICARE/TRICARE for Life (TFL) and Pharmacy fee increases.
Increased National Guard Military Construction (MILCON) Funding The National Guard represents a significant percentage of the Total Force. However, both the Army National Guard and Air National Guard do not receive enough military construction funding to ensure overall readiness of National Guard facilities.
Protecting National Guard Equities in Duty Status Reform As Congress considers Department of Defense recommendations to streamline and consolidate Reserve Component duty statuses, it is critical National Guard and Reserve servicemembers receive equitable benefits similar to the Active Component for the same missions performed.