A bill before the Missouri House of Representatives would make sure state workers deployed to active duty don’t get short-changed in the process.
Representative Joe Smith of St. Charles says service men in the reserves or National Guard join to make money, not lose money.
If the bill passes, the state would make up the difference for those who make less in the service than their regular salary.
The Office of Administration reports there are currently 281 reservists and guardsmen state workers who are deployed. Proponents of the bill say about 100 of them would be compensated under the legislation.
Some private businesses — such as Sears and Boeing — already continue to pay employees’ salaries who are deployed to active duty.
Governor Nixon said during his campaign that he would sign the legislation if it crossed his desk.
Click here to review the entire bill on the House of Representatives Web site.
Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]
