LANSING – In a move to ease the financial burden on military families, the Michigan House of Representatives today passed a measure introduced by State Representative Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn). The bill would make it easier for servicemembers who are called to active duty to terminate auto leases without having to pay penalties.
"The brave members of our armed forces and their families sacrifice a great deal when servicemembers are called to active duty," said Polidori, who is also the chairman of the House Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. "The financial hardships that many military families face can be crippling. Allowing members of the military to terminate their auto leases while fighting for our country is one way to ease that financial strain."
Under the plan that passed the House with overwhelming support, servicemembers called to active duty for 180 days or more and their spouses would be allowed to terminate their auto lease without having to pay penalties. Auto leasing agents who charge penalties would face a fine of $1,000 for each violation. All fines would be deposited into the Military Family Relief Fund.
The Military Family Relief Fund provides up to $2,000 a year for the families of Michigan servicemembers who are on active duty or who have suffered an illness or disability on active duty. The Military Family Relief Fund, administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, distributes the money to struggling families for clothing, food, housing, utilities, medical services or prescriptions, vehicle payments or other necessities.
"We must stand by our soldiers as they fight for our freedom," Polidori said. "This plan shows our gratitude for all the sacrifices our servicemen and servicewomen make on our behalf. It's the least we can do to pay them back for all that they do for us."