LANSING – In a move to ease the financial burden on military families, State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today voted for a plan that will make it easier for servicemembers who are called to active duty to terminate auto leases without having to pay penalties.
"It can be a hardship for military personnel and their families when troops are called to active duty," Corriveau said. "Our military servicemen and servicewomen have made incredible sacrifices to dedicate their lives to defending our country, and allowing them to terminate auto leases is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their service."
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.
"It's important that we stand by the men and women who dedicate themselves to fighting for our freedom – especially in times of hardship," Corriveau said. "This plan is the right thing to do."