NJ Military Families Would Get Helping Hand

It's designed to ease the burden of cost for military families in New Jersey when it comes to lay a veteran to rest.  Legislation that would do just that has cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

"Serving their country fearlessly, making the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and time away from their families to protect the freedoms we enjoy, our veterans deserve all of the support we can give them," said bill co-sponsor, Assemblyman Matthew Milam.

Currently, if a war veteran dies without leaving sufficient funds to cover funeral expenses, the veteran's county of residence is responsible for burial up to $250.  This bill would provide additional help for the burial or cremation of all veterans, including those who did not serve at a time of war.  Under the measure, the state would be required to cover burial and cremation costs above $250, but total costs would not exceed $1,250 for cremation or burial.

"It is proper and fitting that our military families be given support in this way for their years of service and dedication to their country," said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, bill co-sponsor.