JACKSON — State Representative Kathy Schmaltz is working to change how Michigan National Guard members are paid during state activation, aiming to eliminate delays tied to an outdated system.
Schmaltz testified this week on House Bill 5715, which would allow Guard members to receive pay through direct deposit immediately, instead of requiring a first paycheck to be issued on paper.
She says the current process can leave service members without access to their pay while they are deployed for emergencies, sometimes for extended periods away from home.
Supporters of the bill, including the National Guard Association of Michigan, say the issue became especially clear during last year’s ice storm response, when some troops waited months to be paid due to administrative delays.
The proposed legislation would remove the mandatory paper check requirement and shift payments to electronic transfer from the start of activation.
House Bill 5715 is currently under review in the House Families and Veterans Committee.