The measure, approved by the state House and Senate on Thursday, requires the state to supplement the income of full-time state employees called up for duty if their salary in the military is less than they would normally earn in state service, according to the Sentinel and Enterprise.com.

.

The Bay State measure also says that all health benefits extended to employees and their families will continue without interruption and that all state workers will get full pension credit for time served in the military.

The Legislature approved similar legislation two years ago when the country first went to war, however there was a sunset clause stating that the provision would end on September 11, 2005. The action taken by the Legislature yesterday eliminates the sunset clause.

“I am thrilled we were able to enact this legislation before the looming deadline,” said state Senator Joan Menard,   the sponsor of the legislation. “Why should these brave men and women who leave their homes and families to selflessly serve our country be punished by not receiving their normal salaries and benefits? The least we in the Legislature can do is ensure that they do no have to worry about their financial well being, health coverage and retirement benefits.”