Video & Transcript : 'veteran surviving spouse' :
Page 30 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Our veterans deserve, especially our senior veterans.
- I'm getting excuses because I'm a female veteran.
- Veterans are veterans. So we need some help with this. We need to take care of veterans.
- I'm sorry, but we're losing our World War II veterans, and you know our Vietnam veterans are going, and
- I advocate for veterans in Houston, and I know I've seen you quite a bit at all of our veterans events
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 78, a bill to be entitled, An act relating to veterans nursing homes.
- Senate Bill 78, a bill to be entitled, An act relating to veterans nursing homes.
- , their spouses, and surviving spouses to create veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds in
- Committee Substitute for House Bill 797, a bill to be entitled, An act relating to veteran and spouse
- Committee Substitute for House Bill 797, a bill to be entitled, An act relating to veteran and spouse
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized bipartisan work on education, health care, the environment, and family issues. The chamber also recognized military leaders, an intern, and guests connected to later bills. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start of the session.
The Senate then took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion substitutions and technical amendments. Major measures included the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which passed 36-0; a local government land regulation bill that was amended after questions about quasi-judicial hearings, impact fees, and county costs, then passed 26-8; a vessels/boating bill that incorporated related legislation and passed 35-0; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which passed 36-0; a fleeing or eluding law enforcement bill, amended to remove vehicle impoundment in the House version, which passed 36-0; a concealed carry/firearms bill for certain law enforcement and military personnel, which passed 33-3; and a timeshare management bill, which passed 36-0.
The chamber also passed a disability history and awareness instruction bill, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, after extensive debate about language and the meaning of disability versus “unique abilities”; it received 35 co-sponsors and passed 35-0. Other bills passed included manufacturing and related fee legislation, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, mammogram coverage, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/17/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, believe it or not, spouses are eligible even if the veteran chooses not to come.
- The spouse, as long as they're married to the veteran at the time of either one of their passing, the
- They've earned their way in by being a spouse of a veteran.
- </c> spouses are eligible even if the veteran spouses are eligible even if the veteran chooses<01:22:
- , Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House honors former Rep. Mary Murphy 4/21/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And for over 6 million Californians, including veterans and those with severe work disabilities, the
- I'm going to share a story of two people, both veterans, whom I cared for.
- I'm going to share a story of two people, both veterans, whom I cared for.
- Now let me tell you about Mack, another veteran, someone who served our country and military and our
- So what do we do about the spouses and the family who are also dependent on that retirement for that?
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on public employment, retirement, and recognition of cultural and public service issues. AB 569 would allow local governments and unions to negotiate supplemental pension contributions for certain employees; AB 989 would make California Native American Day an official paid state holiday; AB 268 would recognize Diwali as an official state holiday; AJR 3 would urge protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal from federal cuts; AB 1067 would require misconduct investigations to continue even if an employee retires during the process; AB 1510 made technical and conforming changes to state employee pay and benefits laws and to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority labor law; and AB 1233 would create a statewide database of classified school employee employment history and serious misconduct records. The committee also took up AB 1383, which would lower the retirement age for certain first responders and restore some bargaining rights over retirement benefits, drawing extensive testimony for and against.
Supporters of the holiday bills emphasized long-overdue recognition of Native American and South Asian communities and the importance of honoring California’s diversity. Supporters of AJR 3 described the reliance of seniors, people with disabilities, and families on federal and state health and retirement programs, warning that cuts would cause serious harm. AB 1067 was presented as a way to prevent employees from retiring to avoid accountability, while AB 1233 was framed as a student-safety measure to help schools identify applicants with prior egregious misconduct. Opposition to AB 1233 focused on due process and the breadth of the misconduct records, and opposition to AB 1383 argued it would reverse PEPRA reforms, raise pension costs, and strain local budgets, while supporters said firefighters and other first responders face unique health and safety risks and deserve earlier retirement.
Most bills were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes and placed on hold for add-ons or referral to Appropriations or another committee. AB 912 was taken up on the consent calendar and held; AB 569, AB 989, AB 268, AJR 3, AB 1067, and AB 1510 all advanced with do-pass recommendations and were placed on hold. AB 1233 was moved to the Committee on Education. AB 1383 drew the most extensive debate, with many witnesses in support and opposition, and committee members largely expressing support for first responders while also noting concerns about cost and pension policy.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2255 aims to streamline the process for military members, their spouses, and veterans to
- Which previously applied only to spouses to now include active-duty military personnel and veterans.
- So when you have these spouses of military active duty or veterans—by the way, we are also, I believe
- What we do now is for military veterans... ...military spouses and service members, I'm sorry, yes, all
- The veteran, the spouse, they sign an affidavit saying, "I am in good standing; here is my license; here
Keywords:
military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, scholarship, military, Texas Armed Services, military spouses, occupational licensing, state agency, license requirements, reciprocity, training and education, debt obligation, voter information, ballot, elections, transparency
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Nov 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- On Veterans Day, we offer free admission for all veterans, active duty personnel, and their families.
- So, in 2020-2021, the state funded the Veterans Justice Initiative through a bill called the No Veteran
- The veteran he identified as a veteran started to indicate that he was having.
- our Local Veteran Treatment Courts.
- Sir, I know that we have three specialty veteran courts here in the state, and there is a veterans court
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Nov 4th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- state, helping to provide veterans and their spouses with opportunities both on the workforce and economic
- We encourage the hiring of veterans and their spouses by Florida businesses, so we're not just working
- We also enhance the entrepreneurial skills of veterans and their spouses.
- The Entrepreneur Program: these are our partners that are training service members, veterans, and spouses
- And when they do, they're hiring more veterans and more spouses.
Summary:
The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met to consider SB 96, which originally proposed a new veterans dental care program but was amended to expand the existing Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The amendment raised eligibility from 300% to 400% of the federal poverty level and added a recurring $500,000 general revenue appropriation. Members discussed whether expanding eligibility without guaranteed additional funding could dilute services for veterans already being served, while supporters argued it would help veterans currently turned away for dental care. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 96 favorably by roll call vote, with Chair Wright voting no.
The committee also approved two committee bills continuing public records exemptions: SPB 7000, covering the address and telephone number of people staying in public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events, and SPB 7002, covering certain Department of Military Affairs records stored in or transmitted through Department of Defense systems or related to military cyber operations. Both were moved as committee bills without objection and were favorably reported.
Members then received presentations from Dr. Pia Woodley of the Florida Veterans Foundation and Joe Marino of Veterans Florida. Dr. Woodley outlined the foundation’s dental initiatives, emergency assistance, transportation support, benefits guide distribution, new programs for state veterans’ homes and community grants, and recent audits with no findings. Marino described Veterans Florida’s SkillBridge, entrepreneur, and workforce programs, including outreach and federal partnerships, and noted legislative priorities to allow stipends for training at UF IFAS AGVets facilities and to rename a program in statute for clarity. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, military spouses along<00:21:32.000><c> with</c><00:21:32.240><c> veterans</c><00:21:32.640
- They may be a veteran.
- of veterans, I'd say a large proportion of veterans<00:25:48.240><c> do</c><00:25:48.640><c> leave</
- They may be a veteran. disabled placard. They may be a veteran.
- </c> um changes to reflect veteran services. um changes to reflect veteran services.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill matters because people with disabilities rely on step housing to survive.
- This bill matters because people with disabilities rely on step housing to survive.
- This bill matters because people with disabilities rely on step housing to survive.
- see is telling households, married couples, hey, you're going to have to choose if you should get veteran
- home benefits because your spouse is a vet, or if you are going to get homeowner benefits as someone
Summary:
The Senate Housing Committee heard several housing-related bills and gubernatorial appointments. SB 6201 would create property tax and REET exemptions for property used as affordable housing by social housing agencies, with testimony from the sponsor and supporters from Seattle Social Housing and House Our Neighbors emphasizing lower development costs and deeper affordability. Senator Gildon questioned how the 50% occupancy requirement would work at purchase, and staff explained the covenant and compliance requirements. The committee also heard SB 6205, which would add conflict-of-interest restrictions and reporting requirements for the Community Reinvestment Account, Affordable Housing Program, and Covenant Homeownership Program; Senator Braun said the bill responds to reports of misuse and is intended to improve transparency and trust. The committee heard gubernatorial appointments Pedro Espinoza and Diana H. Perez to the Housing Finance Commission, both of whom described their construction, local government, and housing experience and were supported by committee members.
In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 6001 on scissors stairs, SB 6026 on allowing residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, and SB 6054 on fire-hardened building materials. SB 6026 drew the most debate, with amendments added and others rejected; supporters said it would expand housing supply, while opponents and local governments raised concerns about historic districts, main street areas, and limits on local planning authority. SB 6054 was amended to remove the 10% cap on fire-hardened materials, with members saying it would help homeowners protect against wildfire risk. The committee then moved to public hearings on SB 6069, which would require cities and counties to allow emergency shelters, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing in more zones and limit local restrictions to objective standards and administrative review. Supporters, including housing providers, the Attorney General’s Office, King County, and Disability Rights Washington, said local barriers are delaying needed housing, while cities and the Association of Washington Cities argued the bill is too broad and would limit operational agreements and local flexibility.
The committee also heard SB 6167, which would bar homebuyers from receiving multiple state-funded down payment assistance loans or grants. The sponsor said the bill is meant to maximize limited assistance dollars for more households, but opponents from housing nonprofits, advocates, and a homeless veteran said it would reduce access to homeownership, especially for Black households and families needing layered assistance in high-cost markets. Finally, the committee returned to SB 6205 testimony, where supporters said the bill would prevent self-dealing and misuse of grant funds, while one testifier urged more investigation and oversight resources. No final action was taken on the public hearing bills during the transcript.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And so both, both spouses, the military service member and the spouse traditionally work.
- And so in the, in the veterans community, this happens with some degree of regularity if you have a spouse
- Thank you for your service, not only to the veteran, but to their spouses.
- available to Texas veterans.
- So the voter registrar has a list to connect veterans with the Texas Veterans Commission. OK.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- husband, Zach, her 12... ...12-year-old son, Judson, and her 9-year-old daughter, Lindsey, did not survive
- launched right before the pandemic, and it was the existing G permit that allowed us to adapt and survive
- We have survived quite well under the G permit and the atmosphere that y'all have created.
- You know, if there's a disabled person, I've seen some veterans that really... ...like to go out and
- If this bill were to pass, would the spouse have to sign the form, which might not be 100% truthful?
Bills:
HB223
Keywords:
municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Six - Tuesday, February 24
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- school's service-to-service scholars initiative, founded by the Boecklerian Alliance and We the Veterans
- and Military Families, to connect veterans, active duty, and military-connected families to educational
- is a teacher in another state, or vice... ...the man is in the military and the spouse is a teacher
- But hopefully when someone wants to come to Missouri, they are, you know, if a military spouse comes
- I think your bill will survive just fine over on the other side of the building, fiscal note side.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 108-1 roll call vote, and several points of personal privilege. Members observed moments of silence for fallen Christian County deputies and for Paul Jones, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The chamber also recognized Black History Month, with remarks on African American history and the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity. Numerous special guests were introduced, including University of Missouri Truman School students, community and food advocates, local families, St. Louis Public Schools visitors, and other constituents.
The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2682, which would extend existing school free-expression protections to political and ideological speech in K-12 public schools, while preserving guardrails against disruption, bullying, and unlawful conduct. Supporters said students should not lose First Amendment rights at school and that the bill would protect all viewpoints equally; opponents warned the language was too broad and could protect hateful or extremist speech, create confusion for schools, and undermine student safety. After extended debate, the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed.
Members also advanced House Bill 2274, creating the Missouri Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to ease teacher certification reciprocity across states and help recruit teachers, including military spouses. Supporters said it would improve staffing and retention; one member objected to the fiscal note, while others noted the compact’s governing structure and potential benefits. The House likewise adopted an amendment and advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, which would exempt consignment auctions from sales tax and also include certain durable medical equipment language; debate centered on fiscal impact, fairness, and whether the bill would benefit the sponsor’s profession. Finally, House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill, was introduced and explained as standardizing retail tobacco rules under state law while preserving existing local ordinances and local tobacco-21 policies; discussion began with concerns about local control and the scope of grandfathered ordinances.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He was survived by his wife, Linda, and their three children, Kea, Elena, and Sean Darling Hammond.
- He was survived by his wife, Linda, and their three children, Kea, Elena, and Sean Darling Hammond, and
- Alan is survived by Linda Darling Hammond, their three children, Kea, Elena, and Sean Darling Hammond
- , Their three children, Kea, Elena, and Sean Darling Hammond; spouses Terence Turner and Valentina Xavier
- He has an incredible legacy in the Tri-Valley, not only in journalism, but as a military veteran and
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- See, during slavery, they destroyed black families intentionally, separating spouses and removing the
- A member of the National Press Club, Robertson is also a veteran journalist with more than 50 national
- Tyra Hawthorne, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder.
- American veterans at the 2017 National Convention in New Orleans. She served in the U.S.
- FX is survived by his wife Nancy, four children, Jillian, Bobby, Carrie, and Margaret.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 20th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- , Gold Star families, and surviving spouses.
- You've got veterans. You have sons of veterans, daughters of veterans. You have a Gold Star father.
- That can help both veterans and the veteran that's sheltered. And my last thing is veteran suicide.
- So, and that's key, I think, veterans helping veterans.
- So, and that's key, I think, veterans helping veterans.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-05 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They're with the Florida Veterans Coalition.
- Army veteran. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, combat-wounded Purple Heart veteran.
- He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, combat-wounded Purple Heart Veteran.
- Served in Iraq and Afghanistan, combat-wounded Purple Heart veteran.
- Today I'm presenting Senate Bill 1602, which aims to address veteran housing issues.
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several guest recognitions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up a series of claims and relief bills, including SB 6 for L.E. against DCF, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, and later other measures such as child welfare, public records, and professional licensing bills. Most of these bills were explained by sponsors as targeted fixes or relief measures, and several were substituted with identical House bills before final passage. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable on these items, including unanimous or near-unanimous approvals on the claims bills and education-related measures.
A major floor debate centered on CS/CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new framework for large-scale planned developments on at least 15,000 acres with substantial conservation set-asides. Supporters argued it would provide a structured path for long-term growth and development, while opponents from both parties warned it was too vague, could undermine local control, and lacked enough specificity on conservation, infrastructure, and land-use protections. After extensive debate, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 21 on land-use regulations tied to hurricane recovery, SB 530 on lottery operations, SB 556 on Special Olympics as a PE substitute for students with disabilities, SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, SB 758 on the Justice Administrative Commission, SB 830 creating public-records exemptions for certain local officials and their families, SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 914 on dry needling by occupational therapists, and SB 1002 on child welfare and parental drug abuse.
Another lengthy and contentious discussion involved CS/CS/SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles, which included provisions on foreign law, domestic terrorist designations, and restrictions on public support for designated organizations. Senators debated an amendment to remove references to Sharia law; that amendment failed. A second amendment with broader revisions and notice procedures was then taken up, with questions focused on notice, appeal rights, and the designation process. The transcript ends during that amendment discussion, before final disposition is shown. Throughout the session, many bills were substituted with identical House companions and then passed by recorded vote, often with strong bipartisan support.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- School who survived a cardiac arrest on School who survived a cardiac arrest on March<00:39:37.000><c
- . veteran. veteran.
- of certain military veterans.
- their spouses, and the spouses of active-duty service members preference in hiring and promotion.
- and their spouses, and the spouses of active-duty service members, preference in hiring and promotion
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- , Gold Star families, and surviving spouses.
- You've got veterans. You have sons of veterans, daughters of veterans. You have a Gold Star father.
- a veteran.
- So, and that's key, I think, veterans helping veterans.
- So, and that's key, I think, veterans helping veterans.
Summary:
The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began.
MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal.
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-12
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it every veteran? Absolutely not.
- House File 840 simply removes the costs for burial fees for spouses of veterans in state cemeteries.
- We think that since the spouse has put up with the veterans for as long as they have, they deserve to
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- I believe that any qualified service member or veteran, and their spouse and minor dependents, are eligible