Governor McDonnell Announces Military and Veterans Legislative Agenda for 2012 General Assembly Session
Governor McDonnell Announces Military and Veterans Legislative Agenda for 2012 General Assembly Session
– ~Measures will ensure in-state tuition for all members of the Virginia National Guard; improve delivery of benefits; address veteran homelessness –
RICHMOND – In an address to the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations, and joined by veteran and Virginia National Guard leaders, Governor Bob McDonnell announced today legislative and administrative initiatives to continue his effort to make Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in America. Legislative initiatives include ensuring that all members of the Virginia National Guard receive in-state tuition, improving absentee ballot access for overseas military and guaranteeing that unclaimed remains of veterans receive honorable burials. Budget initiatives include several measures to better deliver services and benefits to veterans, to construct a new veterans care center in Hampton Roads and to assist localities affected by BRAC. In addition to the legislative and budget initiatives, Governor McDonnell’s administrative initiatives include the creation of a veterans ID card to serve as proof of veteran status and increasing access to DMV services to better serve the unique needs of Virginia’s active duty military personnel and veterans.
Speaking about the military and veterans legislation for the 2012 General Assembly Session, Governor McDonnell said, “The one in 8 Virginians who serve or have served in the armed forces deserve our eternal thanks for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom. They serve Virginia. Virginia must serve them. Building on the last two successful legislative sessions, our legislative and administrative initiatives for 2012 continue to make Virginian the most veteran-friendly state in America and improve services for the brave men and women who have worn the uniform. I propose that we provide in-state tuition for all members of the Virginia National Guard, regardless of how long they’ve lived here. They have stood up for the Commonwealth, now we need to open the doors of our colleges and universities to them. Additionally, it is unacceptable and heartbreaking that some veterans, after serving and defending their country, find themselves homeless. We will launch a coordinated state effort led by the Department of Veterans Services, in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development and other state agencies that will help Virginia communities maximize new and existing resources in combating homelessness among our veterans and their families.”
Governor McDonnell continued, “In addition to improving the delivery of benefit services to Virginia Veterans and providing preplanning funds for construction of a new veterans care center in Hampton Roads, we have budgeted for four additional positions within the Department of Veterans services to identify Virginia veterans who are eligible for disability and compensation benefits and to connect them to the programs and benefits they earned. From the state level to the local level to individuals reaching out in their communities, Virginia is truly the most veteran friendly place in the country. Our military and veterans initiatives for 2012 will make significant strides to continue to improve services for these patriots.”
Delegate Kirk Cox said, “The military plays a significant role in the commonwealth. It is fitting that we, in turn, make sure that we are doing everything we can at the state level to support our men and women in uniform. The 2012 military and veterans initiatives will make it easier for service members to attend school, exercise their right to vote and improve the delivery of benefits for veterans.”
“I look forward to working with Governor McDonnell to pass this important, bipartisan legislative agenda,” said Senator Wagner. “The agenda as a whole will improve services for our veterans and send a message to our active duty military members stationed in Virginia: We want to keep you and your expertise here in Virginia.”
First Lady Maureen McDonnell said, “Virginia’s communities are already giving so much to make Virginia the friendliest state for veterans and their families. It makes sense that our laws will reflect what so many of us know is the right way to treat these quiet heroes. I look forward to continuing my efforts and finding more opportunities for us all to support those who have sacrificed so much for the cause of freedom.”
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