ATLANTA (March 4, 2013) – Today, Senator Lester Jackson (D-Savannah) led the passage unanimous passage of Senate Bill 76 through the State Senate. The legislation would create the Returning Veterans Task Force within the State Department of Veterans Services.
“This bill is about ensuring the fair and just treatment of our veterans when they return home,” said Sen. Jackson. “The men and women who selflessly serve our country deserve every resource our state has available when re-entering civilian life. This task force will work in tandem with state agencies so that our veterans have every opportunity for success once they have completed their service to these United States of America.”
If passed, the task force will meet at least quarterly to investigate how state services can be provided to veterans returning from military service in order to assist them in integrating into society. The task force will issue recommendations to each relevant state agency with improvements for the delivery of services to returning veterans. By November 1 of each year, the task force will transmit specific suggestions for legislation designed to assist returning veterans to the General Assembly and the Governor. This bi-partisan measure passed unanimously out of committee.
SB 76 will now move on to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Sen. Jackson, a longtime advocate of veteran affairs, has also championed such issues as healthcare expansion, education, and the deepening of the Savannah Harbor.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
Adam.Sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028