From Representative Raul Torres
This week I wish to talk to you about something that is of great importance to me and many of our fellow Texans. I am talking about the veteran benefits provided to our veterans by the State of Texas.
The state of Texas provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits. This is a brief summary of what the State of Texas offers its military veterans.
Texas Veteran Housing Programs
The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) a division of the Texas General Land Office administers three veterans loan programs: The Land Loan Program Veterans Housing Assistance Purchase Program and the Veterans Home Improvement Loan Program.
Texas Financial Assistance Programs
Disabled veterans who meet certain requirements their surviving spouses and the spouses and minor children of a person who dies on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for property tax exemptions on the appraised value of their property. The exemption is mandatory and applies to taxes levied by all taxing authorities in the State.
Texas State Veteran Education Benefits
Wartime veterans who were legal residents of Texas at the time they entered military service and
Home of Record is listed as Texas on the DD214 are entitled to a waiver of tuition and some fees at State-supported/public (taxpayer supported) colleges and universities
. This benefit is also available to children of Texas servicemen and women who died or were killed in military service and to children of Texas military personnel who are shown to be missing in action or prisoners of war.
Texas Veteran Employment Programs
Wartime veterans have preference in employment with State agencies or offices as do widows and children of those killed on active duty. Additionally a veteran is entitled to reemployment rights with his last employer when he is released from the Armed Forces of the United States providing his absence is not longer than four years.
Other Texas State Veteran Benefits
Texas State Cemetery Program
In the November 2001 statewide elections voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 7 a constitutional amendment that authorized the creation of up to seven state cemeteries for veterans and their eligible dependents. Veternas and their spouses have access to this program.
No-Cost Medical Records
Texas veterans are eligible for no cost medical records when they are obtained to file a claim for a disability against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA).
Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans
Under Texas Transportation Code Title 7 Chapter 521 Section 521.426 Texas drivers licenses may be furnished free of charge to veterans who have service-connected disabilities rated 60 or more by the VA or by a branch of the Armed Forces of the U.S.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans are eligible for special hunting and fishing licenses at a reduced cost.
Free Park Admission for Disabled Veterans
Free admission to Texas State Parks is available to any veteran who has a service-connected disability which is rated 60 or more by VA or a service-connected disability which has resulted in the loss of a lower extremity.
Free Recording of Discharges
The County Clerk in each County is required to record free of charge the official discharge of each veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. This free service is very important as it provides veterans with a ready source from which they can obtain a certified copy of their discharge whenever it is needed.
Special License Plates
Disabled Veterans Former Prisoners of War Pearl Harbor Survivors Purple Heart and Medal of Honor plates are among the special license plates available to eligible veterans and their survivors for personal use on their automobile or light commercial vehicle of one ton or less.
For more information on anyone of these Veteran Benefits please call the Texas Visit the
Texas Veterans Commission website for contact information and benefits assistance or call our District office at 361-853-7222 for assistance. We are here to serve you!
Until next week lets talk and Lets Move Texas Forward!
