ATLANTA (February 8, 2012) – Sen. Lester Jackson (D-Savannah) has announced a legislative package aimed at assisting veterans in their transition back to civilian life.
“Georgia’s veterans deserve every opportunity to succeed when they return home from serving their country,” said Sen. Jackson. “These service men and woman selflessly defended our democracy and I will continue to work diligently to defend their right to achieve the American dream.”
Sen. Jackson sponsored three pieces of legislation that will drastically improve veterans’ way of life when they return from service. These priorities are a cornerstone of the Senate Democrat Caucus agenda and include the following:
Veteran Tuition Waiver (Also known as the Heather Noble Bill)
This bill will allow veterans to enroll within the University System of Georgia and pay their tuition in installments or as funds are received from the federal Veterans Administration (VA). Presently, it may take up to six weeks for the VA to process enrollment information after it has been submitted by a university. As a result, veterans run the risk of being dropped from their classes. This amendment is necessary to ensure that our veterans have every opportunity to pursue higher education.
Returning Veterans Task Force
By creating a Returning Veterans Task Force, the legislature will be able to investigate how state services could better provide for returning veterans. If state agencies are not adequately meeting the needs of our veterans, the legislature must act swiftly to guarantee that they are receiving the services they are owed. Representatives from each state agency would be charged with submitting recommendations to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House. With over 770,000 veterans residing in our state alone, it is clear that Georgia has a responsibility to these men and women who served their country.
Academic Credit for Veterans
This piece of legislation will establish a process for granting academic credit to veterans for the instruction they received while in the military. Unfortunately, those who have been trained in the armed services receive very little educational credit for the skills and knowledge they received while in the military. This bill simply acknowledges that our veterans have acquired invaluable skills during their times of service that will transfer into academic credit at institutions of higher learning.
“We are sending a message to our veterans that Georgia has not forgotten what they have sacrificed,” said Sen. Jackson. “I am committed to these legislative priorities and will fight for Veteran’s rights as long as I am your State Senator.”
Sen. Jackson is currently serving is fourth year in the State Senate after serving ten years in the State House of Representatives. Throughout his time as a public servant, Sen. Jackson has also fought to increase education funding, raise the dropout age to 18, and to improve access to health care for all Georgians.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 8, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
Adam.sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028