February 28, 2014

GOV. MALLOY: FEDERAL BUDGET MUST MAINTAIN PERSONNEL AND FUNDING LEVELS FOR ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy and 46 other governors from around the nation today sent a joint letter to President Barack Obama expressing their strong opposition to potential cuts to the Army National Guard, which were proposed as part of the U.S. Army's Fiscal 2015 budget request.

"For more than a decade, our National Guard has demonstrated it is a cost-effective, operational force that is critical to our national security at home and abroad," the 47 governors stated in their letter to the President.

The governors continued, "We respectfully request that you reconsider proposed cuts to the Army National Guard and changes to the Guard's combat aviation capabilities and that you work with us to fashion solutions that provide a scalable, cost-effective force that best serves the interests of our nation."

During the National Governors Association Winter Meeting last weekend, the nation's governors met with President Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to discuss preserving Army and Air National Guard personnel and equipment in order to meet state and federal needs. While the delegation of governors recognize the need to reduce spending to meet budget obligations, they are concerned that a return to pre-9/11 Army National Guard levels would squander the investment and value of the Guard and discredit the Guard's domestic accomplishments and as an active combat force.

** Download : Letter from governors to President Obama

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For Immediate Release: February 28, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy