Alabama Lawmakers Push for Veteran Benefits

0:00This is Corey, here with your quick two-minute update from Birmingham News today. Alabama lawmakers are pushing a resolution to urge Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act. This bill would let thousands of combat injured veterans keep their full military retirement pay on top of disability benefits. In Alabama alone, about 1,500 veterans who retired early due to injuries are losing out under current rules. Right now, federal law cuts retirement pay dollar for dollar against disability compensation for those medically retired before 20 years of service. That means many who served honorably in combat face big financial hits just for getting hurt on duty. These veterans often deal with severe issues like loss limbs, post-traumatic stress disorder, or brain injuries from battle. Nationally, more than 54,000 are affected, missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month and earned benefits. The Wounded Warrior Project is leading the charge, asking state leaders to approve House

1:02resolution 58. State Representative Patrice McClammy from Montgomery introduced the measure to highlight this unfair setup. Lawmakers could take it up soon, shining a light on the need for change. Groups like the Wounded Warrior Project, praise Alabama for stepping up to support these heroes. The Daily News now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. Your pillow. Your podcast, your moment made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.