Issues Facing States

Governor Sebelius talked about federal-state issues such as bipartisanship and difficulties with the new Medicare prescription plan. She focused on National Guard and military reserve troops, saying their families left behind in their home states are ignored by the Defense Department. She described Oklahoma-passed legislation, a “Military Bill of Rights,” that provides these families with death benefits, tuition assistance, financial assistance, and pay differential. Also affecting the states is the fact that National Guard equipment will not come home from Iraq, leaving vulnerabilities during emergencies. After her presentation she answered audience members' questions. close