Culver Signs New Benefits for Military Families

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver delivers his annual condition of the state address before a joint session of the Iowa legislature, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Mar 16, 2010 at 1:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 16, 2010 at 1:09 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) — Gov. Chet Culver has signed into law a bill that expands jobless benefits for the spouses of soldiers who are forced to quit their jobs when a spouse is deployed by the military.

Culver signed the so-called "trailing spouse" bill on Tuesday.

Supporters of the measure say a spouse who is left behind during a deployment often finds it impossible to keep a job and care for a family, and frequently must move closer to relatives for help.

Typically workers who voluntarily leave a job aren't eligible for benefits. The measure signed into law by Culver makes an exception for the spouses of deployed soldiers.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.