Legislation of interest to Veterans

At the Texas Legislature

HB 55           filed by Armando Mando Martinez relating to the use of Texas Enterprise Fund for Veterans hospitals.  Testimony has been presented before the Texas House Committee on Defense and Veterans on April 7, 2011.

HB 833         filed by Gallegos relates to providing tax exempt status to spouses and children of a deceased veteran that is 100% rating or fully disabled.

SB 357         filed by Van DePutte and is the sister bill for HB 833.

At the U.S. Congress

SB 396         filed by Senator John Cornyn which asks the VA to expand the present Harlingen VA Surgical Center to a Full Medical Service Center.

HB 837        filed by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa and is the sister bill to SB 396 asking for the same thing with identical language.

HB 1318      filed by Congressman Henry Cuellar to direct the VA to expand the VA medical facility in Far South Texas with an urgent care center; 50 beds for inpatient care; provide a full range of services to female veterans; and, provide caregiver support services, including an adult day care providing caregiver respite.

Notes:

 A letter writing campaign Operation 10,10,10 has been initiated to push for SB 396 and HB 837 to be placed before the agenda of their respective Veterans Affairs Committees in each Chamber.