Bills Introduced To Improve Healthcare And Jobs For Veterans

CAMP PENDLETON, CA — Six bills were introduced by GOP lawmakers on Tuesday designed to improve healthcare services and job training for veterans.

One of the bills introduced, Senate Bill 197, could assist with financing the construction of a mental health care facility at Camp Pendleton.

According to a news release from Sen. Pat Bates of Laguna Niguel, SB 197 would grant the state the authority to waive state and local sales and use taxes for charitable organizations that purchase building materials and supplies to construct and equip military and veteran medical facilities, and donate those facilities to the U.S. Department of Defense for operation on federal land in California.

Author of the bill, Sen. Pat Bates of Laguna Niguel, commented on her website:

“Our country’s wounded warriors deserve world-class medical and research facilities to ensure that they receive proper treatment,” said Senator Bates. “California should do everything within its power to encourage the construction of such facilities within its borders, especially when there’s minimal cost to the state. I’m pleased to be working with Senator Atkins on this endeavor and I hope our bill will earn the support of the entire Legislature and Governor Brown.”

The Senate Governance and Finance Committee will hear SB 197 on Wednesday, March 29, at 9:30 a.m.

Other bills introduced on Tuesday also have veterans' jobs and healthcare in mind.

• Senate Bill 410 and Assembly Bill 353 seek to expand hiring preferences for veterans.
• State veterans' homes could benefit from the improved oversight and mental health services proposed by Senate Bill 409 and Senate Bill 485.
• Senate Bill 411 could offer military reservists which have served 10 or more years $100 a month once they are 50 years old.

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