Senate Majority Leader Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody) voted for legislation today that was passed by the Senate to aid public employees that are serving in the Armed Forces.

“The brave men and women that serve our country should not be burdened financially for military service,” said Majority Leader Berry. “Many of these individuals have families and real living expenses that don’t go away while they are serving. I believe it is our responsibility to compensate them.”

The legislation will require the Commonwealth, and any county, city or town, at its local option, to compensate the salaries of employees who have been granted a military leave of absence after September 11, 2001. Eligible employees serving active duty are entitled to their regular salaries reduced by any amount received from the United States as pay or allowance for military service during the same time period.

If passed into law, the act would sunset on September 11, 2005.