Senator Michael Balboni today announced Senate passage of a bill that increases the pay rate for New York's military personnel and provides

additional benefits to their families.

"Today's soldiers are making immense sacrifices at home and abroad, and their families are bearing an immense burden as a result," Senator Balboni said. "We need to do everything in our power to recognize the sacrifices and ease the burdens."

According to Senator Balboni, the bill:

* Increases, by 25 percent, the per-day pay rate for New York State military personnel ordered into active duty from $100 to $125.

* Exempts members of the state organized militia from paying state taxes for active duty service related to combating terrorism.

* Makes Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraqi conflict veterans eligible for tuition awards and extends the time period by which they must apply for the awards.

* Permits local governments to hire retired public employees to fill staffing needs caused by employees being called into service.

The bill, known as "Patriot Plan II," also clarifies sections of the original New York Patriot Plan, including eliminating a requirement that the dependent of a military service member apply to a court in order to obtain the benefits provided in state Military Law. The bill also makes it clear that members of the state organized militia and reservists are being granted certain hunting and fishing licenses free of charge.