Legislation allowing veterans who served in the National Guard to access military benefits has been passed by the New Jersey Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Under the bill (A3455), sponsored by Jersey Shore Assemblyman Sean Kean and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, the guard’s honorable discharge form qualifies as proof of military service and can be used to get a county veteran’s ID card.

“This legislation ensures that veterans who served in the National Guard who have NGB-22 forms are eligible for certain veterans’ benefits,” Kean (R-Monmouth) said. “It should be an easy process for these brave men and women to obtain a veteran’s identification card or the veterans designation on their license.”

There are more than 8,300 guardsmen enlisted in the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard.

“This will make it easier for them to get benefits they need to live and thrive in New Jersey,” DeCroce (R-Morris) said. “The state takes great pride in the programs and services available to our veterans. Former members of the guard should be able to take advantage of them, too.”

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