It is about time

It looks like the efforts of Sen. George Allen are going to pay off in an even bigger way than he had hoped for.

Story.

WASHINGTON - President Bush will propose a dramatic increase to $250,000 in government payments to families of U.S. troops killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and in future combat zones.

The plan to increase the tax-free “death gratuity,” now $12,420, to $100,000 and provide an extra $150,000 in life insurance payouts will be part the 2006 budget proposal submitted to Congress next week. . .

The existing "death gratuity" is a disgrace. I'm not sure any amount can ever really be enough, but this is good first step in rectifying the situation.