“The freedom we enjoy is a direct result of our veterans’ sacrificial service, and I strongly believe we owe them and their families our continued best efforts to remove roadblocks on their route to success in civilian life.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Today, in honor of Veterans Day, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst charged the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee with studying three key areas with the intent of generating more meaningful legislation in the next meeting of the Texas legislature.
“Our veterans are the reason we can live safely in our homes in Texas,” said Dewhurst, a Vietnam era veteran of the U.S. Air Force. “The freedom we enjoy is a direct result of our veterans’ sacrificial service, and I strongly believe we owe them and their families our continued best efforts to remove roadblocks on their route to success in civilian life.”
Having already championed countless legislative initiatives for veterans as Lieutenant Governor, Dewhurst instructed Committee leadership to focus on the following pressing concerns:
DWINDLING FEDERAL INVESTMENT. In light of ongoing reductions in federal spending for military programs and veterans’ benefits, Dewhurst instructed the Committee to investigate the impact of federal actions (including the federal government shutdown, sequestration, military force reductions, and potential base closure or realignment) on active-duty service members, the Texas Military Department, veterans, their families, defense-related contractors, small businesses, local governments, and state agencies.
SERVICE MEMBER REINTEGRATION. As veterans of post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries return to civilian society, they deserve the smoothest possible integration into the workforce. Dewhurst charged the committee with monitoring and examining efforts to provide employment and workforce opportunities for veterans, service members, and their families. He also called for their recommendations on how best to continue collaborating with and supporting our honored veterans as they re-enter the civilian workforce, including improving employment opportunities for veterans at all state agencies.
REDUCING THE BENEFITS BACKLOG. Having championed the State Strike Force which is working to knock down federal roadblocks and move Texas veterans’ disability claims through the federal system, Dewhurst called for an update on the team’s progress and recommendations on any additional steps necessary to ensure that veterans promptly receive all federal disability benefits to which they are entitled.
“As a son of a B-26 bomber pilot who characterized the Greatest Generation and a veteran myself, I know all
Texans are proud of our brave men and women who have volunteered and are serving with such distinction around the globe,” concluded Dewhurst. “They are the best our nation has to offer and I am fully committed to ensuring our state not only holds up our end of the bargain, but fully leverages their skills, training and leadership to the betterment of our economy. It is a win win for all Texans.”
Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst will continue to release his interim charges in the coming months.
