New Veterans Services Measures Take Effect Thursday
– Highlights 24 Pieces of Legislation to Make Virginia the Most Veteran Friendly State in America –
RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today highlighted legislation taking effect July 1st that recognizes his commitment to make Virginia the most Veteran friendly state in America. Included in this is legislation establishing a Veterans Skills Database, fee waivers for Veterans seeking small business permits, protecting the right to display the American flag at their home, and designating the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth’s emblem of service and sacrifice.
Speaking about the legislation becoming law on July 1st, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Virginia is home to more than 830,000 veterans and almost 200,000 Virginians are serving in the military around the world. Our state government must continue to do more to better serve those who have voluntarily protected America for generations past and present. During the 2010 legislative session we passed 24 pieces of legislation to make Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in America. I have tasked Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services Paul Galanti to develop a Veterans Bill of Rights to identify the needs of veterans and their families so we can make sure those needs are met. I have also asked the Virginia Employment Commission, in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, to establish a Veterans Skills Database to help market and promote workforce skills to veterans. We passed legislation protecting a Virginian’s right to fly the American flag on his or her property. Further, we have designated the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth’s emblem of service and sacrifice by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who have given their lives in the line of duty. The community of veterans and active duty soldiers who call Virginia home deserve our support and recognition to ensure their success in the Commonwealth.”
Commissioner of Veterans Services Paul Galanti also noted, “We are working hard to implement the most affected policies to ensure our veterans and active duty soldiers have the tools they need to be successful at home and continue to choose Virginia as their place of retirement. The 24 pieces of legislation going into law on Thursday will better equip us with the tools needed to provide Virginia’s veterans with the services they need.”
See new law details available here.