National Guard Re-enlistment Bonus

Item 450 #1s

Language
Page 141, line 2, strike "$28,708,825" and insert "$30,036,825".
Page 141, line 2, strike "Not set out." and insert:
"Defense Preparedness (72100) 24,645,948  28,708,825  30,036,825
General and Weapons Warehousing  (72101)  1,896,833  2,011,668
Military Reservations and Facilities  (72102)  18,764,688  22,017,530
National Guard  (72103)    3,927,755 4,622,955 5,950,955
Virginia State Defense Force (72104)  56,672 56,6722
Fund Sources:
General $3,262,647 $3,968,224 $5,296,224
Special   $834,386 $834,386
Dedicated Special Revenue $300,000 $300,000
Federal Trust $20,248,915 $23,606,215
Authority:  Title 44, Chapters 1 and 2, Code of Virginia.
A.   This item includes $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the second year from  the general fund to pay the expenses of the Virginia Military Advisory Council.
B.  Out of this item, $1,328,000 from the general fund in the second year is provided for a re-enlistment program.  Under this program, a one-time bonus of $2,000 shall be paid to any member of the Virginia National Guard who re-enlists for at least two years. To be eligible for the bonus, a member must re-enlist on or after April 1, 2006 and on or before September 30, 2006. Any balance from the amount remaining on June 30, 2006, shall be reappropriated in the following fiscal year.”

Explanation
(This amendment provides $1,328,000 the second year from the general fund for a re-enlistment program for the Virginia National Guard. Any member of the Virginia National Guard who re-enlists on or after April 1, 2006 and on or before September 30, 2006, will receive a one time bonus of $2,000. Any balance remaining on June 30, 2006 would be reappropriated in fiscal year 2007. The Commonwealth of Virginia is losing approximately 100 National Guard soldiers per month. The Virginia National Guard strength mission currently stands at 7,555, with an actual strength of 6,894. If the decline in number of soldiers continues, it is expected that the National Guard Bureau will transfer the excess strength mission to other states. This would jeopardize the Guard’s ability to respond to natural disasters, terrorist threats, and other events that may threaten the Commonwealth.)