In light of the large numbers of National Guardsmen and Reservists being called for duty, some states that are not traditionally home to large numbers of military folks are paying more attention to soldiers and their families.  Ohio is among several states who are working on new laws to provide greater protections to deployed servicemen and dependants.  The new Ohio law, titled the “Ohio Patriot Plan” was signed by the Governor on Tuesday and provides legal protection from eviction and utility disconnections, as well as making it easier to get out of long term contracts such as car leases and cell-phone agreements.  The law is based on a similar measure in New York.  Alabama, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Iowa are among the states working on similar legislation.

Even if you do not reside in one of these states, you still have some protections guaranteed by the Soldier and Sailors Civil Relief Act.  In particular, you may be eligible for a reduction in your credit card interest rate or the interest rate of your mortgage for the duration of the deployment.  These benefits are NOT automatic, so check on the various acts at the federal and state level that may apply to you and your family.  Every little bit helps.