LA County To Review Benefits For Military Reservists
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Military reservists employed by Los Angeles County should not be at risk of losing benefits while serving their country, a county supervisor said Wednesday.
KNX 1070's Margret Carrero reports Supervisor Don Knabe has called for a review after receiving what he described as "nervous calls" from employees — some of whom have been deployed overseas for months.
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The Board of Supervisors agreed on Tuesday to review the county's military leave policy for employees and consider extending pay subsidies and benefits for more than 720 days.
Knabe — who is a Navy veteran — said he wanted to ensure that reservists would not be penalized while on deployment.
"We just want to make sure that those serving our country do not miss out either on promotional opportunities and their families do not lose the benefits," said Knabe.
Nearly 700 reservists from Los Angeles County are currently deployed around the world, predominantly in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The county currently pays the difference between a reservist's military pay and their county pay for up to 720 days, and employees retain county benefits.
Knabe said the review is strictly a precautionary effort and not in response to any recent developments.
"We don't know of any benefits that have run out or anything like that, but, hey, it doesn't hurt to review it and make sure that these folks are protected," he said.
The board directed the county's chief executive officer to review the policy and report back within 60 days.
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