Video & Transcript Research : 'combat support'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25

Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I ask for your support, Mr. Chair.
  • <00:14:16.519> of Marshal I'm here in strong support of Marshal I'm here in strong support
  • <00:21:13.679> house<00:21:14.039> file strongly support house file strongly support
  • Those are my questions, and I fully support sprinkling.
  • I appreciate your support.
Keywords: 1183, house
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 23rd, 2026 at 11:00 am

Veterans and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • you, although the governor has made the nomination, you would not be considered further without the support
  • duty naval career included over 5,000 hours of flight time and over 1,200 hours flying overland in combat
  • George, although the governor's made the nomination, you would not be considered further without the support
  • Question from Miss from Senator Hines: Combat rescue swimmers more than deserve where they get to in
  • The senators on this committee and also the commissioners and just the great Oklahomans we had support
Keywords: 914, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Jan 14th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I cover South Palm Beach County and Broward counties, and I'd love for us to combat climate change.
  • And I'd love for us to combat climate change.
  • And I'd like to see us focus on not only combating climate change, but also improving water quality in
  • And so I said to get to what all we've been able to do with the support of the governor and the legislature
  • And so us and the legislature's support being able to offset some of those costs to eventually the rate
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present, heard opening remarks from Chair Rodriguez and member introductions, and discussed broad priorities including water quality, climate change, budget oversight, and accountability for environmental investments. Members emphasized concerns about nutrient pollution, springs, Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and the need for better data and measurable results. The committee then received a presentation from DEP Deputy Secretary Adam Blaylock on the state’s water quality restoration framework. He explained how water quality standards, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), and reasonable assurance plans work together to address impaired waters, and noted that BMAPs are updated every five years with annual reviews in between. He also described recent statutory changes requiring five-year milestones, restrictions on new septic systems in certain areas, and public-facing data tools to track projects and water quality trends. Members questioned whether BMAPs are producing enough improvement and whether the five-year update cycle is too slow. Blaylock said results can take years because of project lag and environmental variability, but that the department can adjust plans if data show they are not working. He also highlighted $2.9 billion in statewide water quality funding since 2019, nearly 1,100 funded projects, and a $1.1 billion water quality improvement grant program that now covers impaired waters beyond BMAP areas. The committee discussed agricultural projects, DEP and FDACS funding roles, and a new dashboard and centralized monitoring platform under development. No formal votes or other actions were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment moved by the vice chair.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAM/FIN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Feb 14, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • supporting youth I ask for your support supporting youth I ask for your support of<01:18:49.480>
  • <01:19:11.239> to support to support to support<01:19:13.080> um<01:19:13.199> GED
  • <04:32:50.040> the<04:32:50.279> coconut support to be able to combat the coconut support
  • My formerly requested funding support for our mission to combat human trafficking, domestic abuse, and
  • for our mission to funding support for our mission to combat<06:21:23.760> human<06:21:24.040
Keywords: 910, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Human Services Committee Jul 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Action Coalition in support.
  • Our staff support people...
  • Amanda Kirshner, County Welfare Director, in support.
  • We strongly support SB 761 because it will combat the unfamiliarity with CalFresh by informing students
  • Libby Sanchez, No Kid Hungry, in support.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several homelessness, public benefits, and aging-related bills. SB 748 would expand Encampment Resolution Funding to support safe parking sites for people living in cars or RVs, require quarterly reporting from HCD on outcomes, and direct LAO evaluation; supporters said it would help local governments reduce RV encampments while connecting people to housing and services. SB 290 would repeal the CalWORKs immunization sanction that reduces aid when parents cannot provide acceptable proof of a child’s vaccination; supporters argued the penalty unfairly harms families already in poverty and can worsen instability, while no opposition testified. SB 606 would define “functional zero” for overall and unsheltered homelessness and require local jurisdictions to plan for and report on the housing and interim shelter needed to reach that goal; supporters said it would add accountability and focus on reducing unsheltered homelessness, and one group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. SB 433 would create an income-based room-and-board cap and personal needs allowance for all Medi-Cal assisted living participants in residential care facilities for the elderly, not just SSI recipients; supporters said it would prevent eviction and homelessness among low-income seniors and people with disabilities, and facility groups withdrew opposition or moved to neutral after amendments. SB 761 would require students applying for Cal Grants to be notified that they may be eligible for CalFresh and given information on how to apply; supporters said it would address widespread student food insecurity and low enrollment among eligible students. The committee accepted amendments on the bills, and all of the measures discussed were reported out on 7-0 or similar unanimous votes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, with the consent calendar also approved unanimously.
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:
  • Oh, yeah, I waived in support. You waiving in support. Nolan Wiccan? All right. Matt Herden? Matt?
  • We support the 1.4 million veterans here in the state of Florida.
  • We support the 1.4 million veterans here in the state of Florida.
  • Then there is supporting veterans with our well-being grants.
  • We were created in 2014 to support the veterans in the state and those who want to be ...to support the
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.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I look forward to supporting your nomination.
  • And I urge... my colleagues to support you as well.
  • Russian influence to maintaining support for Ukraine.
  • I appreciate your support.
  • I want to thank my children for their unwavering support.
Summary: The meeting was characterized by a series of introductions and personal anecdotes shared by the committee members, with a focus on the importance of community engagement and transparency in legislative processes. Members expressed their commitment to open hearings and the necessity for public involvement in discussions impacting constituents. Several members remarked on how personal experiences shape their legislative priorities, thus reinforcing the human element of governance. However, there was a noticeable absence of discussion regarding specific bills, indicating that the session may have been more exploratory or introductory in nature.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Agriculture Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lizzie Guantzona on behalf of the Office of Kat Taylor in support.
  • Catherine Van Dyke with Community Alliance with Family Farmers in support.
  • You know, I would, and I appreciate the apparent vote of support.
  • Thank you in support.
  • Great, so great support on the bill. Any...
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with two bills on the agenda. The chair opened the hearing with procedural reminders and a brief welcome back for the new year, then moved to AB 52 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the California Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee in statute. The author and a supporting witness said the committees are important to implementing the Farmer Equity Act and ensuring farmers and ranchers of color and small-scale producers have a meaningful role in CDFA policymaking; several organizations testified in support, and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard AB 230 by Assemblywoman Ransom, which extends the sunset of the Pierce’s disease control program and the Pierce’s disease glassy-wing sharpshooter board to 2037. The author and a representative of the wine grape industry described the program as essential to controlling a disease that threatens grapevines and to supporting research and field efforts funded by federal, industry, and grower assessments. Testimony from the Wine Institute, Family Winemakers of California, California Fresh Fruit Association, and the California Farm Bureau was in support, with no opposition. Both bills were moved on due pass motions to the Appropriations Committee and approved by the committee. AB 230 received eight aye votes and AB 52 later received seven aye votes after the roll was held open for absent members. The committee then adjourned.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Second, I am very pleased to see the allocation of additional support for financially distressed hospitals
  • And most significantly, I am concerned about the lack of meaningful proposals that combat waste, fraud
  • And most significantly, I am concerned about the lack of meaningful proposals that combat waste, fraud
  • In regarding the Medical Indemnity Fund, continue to support conversations to experience issues with
  • IN REGARDING THE MEDICAL INDEMNITY FUND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT CONVERSATIONS TO EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health convened as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Committee, with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members, alternates, and the meeting rules. The chairs reviewed subcommittee procedures, including limits on alternates’ voting rights, no proxy participation, germane-topic restrictions, and the requirement that any report receive an affirmative majority vote from each house’s delegation. The co-chairs outlined the main health budget issues under discussion: the global cap, capital funding, hospital and safety-net hospital funding, early intervention, reproductive health, the Medical Indemnity Fund, aging issues, insurance prior authorization, EMS biomarkers, and nursing home funding. The chair emphasized the state’s responsibility to families affected by the Medical Indemnity Fund. Minority members raised support for restoring the full 15 percent capital Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, increasing aid for financially distressed hospitals, and addressing home care funding shortfalls. They also urged stronger measures against Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, warning against budget gimmicks and emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability, including careful use of any Medicaid savings tied to the federal 1331 health program. The meeting ended with members saying they would continue consultations with each other and staff to work toward a final, on-time budget.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 1 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'd like to thank my family and all my colleagues' families for their continued support.
  • So on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor, who supported you and helped make this possible.
  • The commitment and support they demonstrated during the campaign is remarkable.
  • These amazing supporters inspire us each and every day.
  • We know that without that constant support, we couldn't do what we do.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House of Representatives convened on January 1, 2025, for the opening of the 194th General Court. The session began with the call to order, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem, followed by remarks from the Dean of the House, Governor Maura Healey, and Speaker Ron Mariano. Speakers highlighted the historic nature of the new session, the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence, and priorities such as public service, transparency, and continued collaboration between the House, Senate, and administration. The House received and filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s communication transmitting election returns, then adopted a special committee report confirming that the members-elect had been duly elected. The chamber also accepted the resignation/declination of Representative-elect Gerald Paracela, who had been nominated to the District Court. A committee was appointed to notify the Governor that a quorum of members-elect had assembled and were ready to be sworn in, after which the Governor administered the oaths of office to the members. The House then elected Ronald Mariano of Quincy as Speaker by roll-call vote, with 132 votes; Bradley H. Jones Jr. received 21 votes, Mark T. Lombardo 4, and the total vote count was 157. Timothy Carroll of Hull was elected Clerk by acclamation and sworn in, and he announced the appointment of assistant clerks. The House also adopted temporary rules to continue the prior session’s House rules and temporary joint rules, and agreed to a Senate order scheduling a convention for the following day to administer oaths to the Governor’s Council. The session concluded with a benediction and adjournment until the next day at 11 a.m.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Floor Session 5/17/25 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • perfect, I'm still going to support it. perfect, I'm still going to support it.
  • especially in combat. especially in combat.
  • <00:43:43.280> our listening and not supporting our listening and not supporting our veterans
  • So I'd urge support.
  • So I'd urge support.
Keywords: 1183, house
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here today speaking in support of House Bill 3065.
  • supportive of a tax that is designed to protect human life.
  • We are in strong support of H. 3160.
  • And ultimately, we're just re-support it. We can be combined equity.
  • Other academic research ...supports these types of findings.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a long hybrid hearing on a wide range of tax bills, with testimony covering cigarette and tobacco taxes, nicotine pouches, contractor rental equipment exemptions, aircraft sales tax exemptions, rolling stock, advanced sales tax payments, a gun and ammunition excise tax, a digital services tax, and a psilocybin cultivation/tax proposal. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that 39 House-filed sales and excise tax bills were being heard for required reporting by November 28. No votes were taken during the hearing. On tobacco-related bills, supporters including Senator Keenan, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and Tobacco Free Mass backed higher cigarette taxes and closing the synthetic nicotine loophole, arguing the measures would reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and offset health care costs. Retailers, wholesalers, and convenience-store groups opposed the increases, warning of smuggling, out-of-state purchasing, and harm to small businesses; premium cigar representatives argued cigars should be treated separately from cigarettes. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3067 and related bills concerning nicotine pouches, with public health advocates supporting taxation and industry witnesses urging a lower, more competitive rate. Several other bills drew sharply divided testimony. United Rentals supported H. 3065 to simplify contractor rental equipment exemption paperwork, while airport and aviation groups opposed bills to repeal the aircraft sales tax exemption, saying it would hurt airport competitiveness and jobs. The Transportation Association of Massachusetts backed rolling stock tax exemptions, saying the current tax discourages fleet investment and interstate commerce. Restaurant industry representatives supported repealing advanced sales tax payments and changing penalty rules, saying businesses were hit with retroactive penalties after unclear pandemic-era changes. On H. 3082, an excise tax on guns and ammunition, gun violence prevention advocates, Roca, and Giffords supported the bill as a dedicated funding source for prevention and survivor services, while sportsmen’s groups opposed it as unfair to lawful gun owners and harmful to conservation funding. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3208, a digital advertising services tax, with Representative Paulino supporting it as a way to capture revenue from online advertising and fund public needs, while the Chamber of Progress opposed it as costly and burdensome for small businesses and campaigns. Finally, multiple witnesses testified on H. 4050 regarding psilocybin cultivation and taxation: advocates from Mass Healing, Roca, the Reason Foundation, and individuals describing personal medical benefits urged a regulated, permit-based system, while the hearing ended after all signed-up speakers were heard and the chair adjourned the meeting.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • A number of members on this committee were firm supporters.
  • I think this has broad support in Congress and certainly strong support from the Department.
  • And we actually do well in that capacity and support.
  • I think our supportive services for veterans and families and the bridge support that provides, our vocational
  • We also support codifying the emergent suicide care section.
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • What I need to do with this, your support and everybody else's support on this would.
  • Uh, we are supportive of it.
  • I strongly support House Bill 4029 and respectfully ask for your support as well.
  • Chairman Guilhan's bill, and we support anything he does.
  • I'm here in strong support of House Bill 4029.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • I am going to support it.
  • This honorable body gave the Attorney General's office Administrative Hearings and Child Support from
  • In addition to the Administrative Hearings and Child Support, last session this honorable body passed
  • Thank you for your support. Finally, we have Senate Bill 236.
  • <00:14:42.000> fitting sometimes after being in combat fitting sometimes after being in combat
Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, would create a Right of Publicity Act to prohibit unauthorized commercial use of a person’s unclothed likeness, including for living and deceased individuals, while carving out exemptions for artistic and news-related uses. Bledsoe said the bill is intended to address privacy, dignity, and AI-generated image misuse, and noted she may offer a floor amendment to address concerns from broadband and internet providers. Sen. Thomas supported the bill but questioned the 10-year duration, and Bledsoe said that timeframe was somewhat arbitrary. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 7 with favorable expression to the floor. Senate Bill 130, presented by Sen. Maiden, addressed gift card scams and theft of redemption information. A committee substitute was adopted, and Maiden described the bill as a response to organized retail crime, citing major gift card scams in Louisville and Lexington and explaining how tampered cards are returned to shelves and later drained after purchase. He said the substitute would create clear criminal penalties, make gift card tampering a felony, and add gift card fraud to the credit card fraud statute. Members shared personal experiences with compromised gift cards, and the committee approved SB 130 8-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 244, a reorganization cleanup bill presented by Sen. Howell and Attorney General’s office counsel Will Schroer, would complete name and structural changes following the transfer of Administrative Hearings and Child Support from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Attorney General’s office and align the bill with prior data privacy legislation. The committee voted 9-0 to send SB 244 to the floor with favorable expression. Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Sen. Smith, drew extended discussion about a veteran’s case involving an old misdemeanor/DUI matter and a later warrant or failure-to-appear issue. The witness described being arrested years later despite having rebuilt her life, and senators debated whether the bill’s proposed time limit could create loopholes or affect court procedures; members emphasized that the underlying charge would remain and that the bill was aimed at unserved failure-to-appear warrants. The committee ultimately voted to advance SB 236 with favorable expression, with several members explaining their support while noting concerns about possible future language changes.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • There's study after study that supports this.
  • we these are things that actually combat we these are things that actually combat that<00:23:59.840
  • We've got we've got um supports this.
  • <00:29:44.080> from not have a large amount of support from not have a large amount of support
  • implement that at<00:34:02.720> fiscal<00:34:03.120> supports at fiscal supports at fiscal
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
Summary: The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 578 met to reconcile differences in a bill concerning recess times for children and related early learning provisions. The Senate sponsor described two compromise amendments, both based on the Senate version, that would restore play-based learning through third grade and replace guided reading with interactive shared reading; the only difference between the two was whether recess would extend through fifth grade or eighth grade. The sponsor argued the changes were supported by studies, existing state investment in play-based learning, and examples from schools using recess to improve attendance and behavior. House members opposed the amendments, saying they were concerned about creating an expensive or unfunded mandate and about limiting local control over curriculum decisions. One House member said the state lacked enough fiscal support and implementation time for districts, and another said the proposal should perhaps be studied further before expanding it beyond kindergarten. Supporters countered that the state had already invested in training, that the proposal was a teaching method rather than a new curriculum, and that play-based learning and recess improve mental health, classroom behavior, and student engagement. The committee voted on the 2084S amendment, and it failed on a divided vote. After further discussion, the House reiterated that it would stick with its position and oppose the Senate amendments. The chair then stated that the committee was at an impasse and that the bill was effectively dead, with no further action taken.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • thank you for your support for the HIDTA program.
  • I very much appreciate your support.
  • I look forward to your continued support of the United States Coast Guard.
  • Thank you so much, Senator Blackburn, for your support and for the question.
  • Thank you so much, Senator Fischer, for your support and for the question.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Aug 25th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Colleagues, I ask that you please support H.R. 56.
  • And while we support bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., and we support strengthening manufacturing
  • While we support bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and we support strengthening manufacturing jobs
  • I rise today in strong support of AJR 17, which supports the modernization of the Immigration Act of
  • Combat-exposed women were 1.42 times more likely to experience military sexual trauma than their non-combat-exposed
Summary: The Assembly met on July 17, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through a long ceremonial and floor session. The chamber recognized the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows, the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and the 2025 Assembly Fellows, and also heard guest introductions honoring Brad Webb of Legislative Counsel, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, the new UC President J.B. Milliken, the Rohnert Park 11-and-under Cal Ripken All-Star team, and arts leaders from Auburn. The Assembly also took up several procedural motions, including removing some bills from the consent calendar and noting absences. On the floor, members adopted ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, with broad support and 66 co-authors, and later adopted H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month, with 65 co-authors. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of State Highway Route 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and H.R. 50 proclaiming November 25, 2025, as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, with members emphasizing survivor support and prevention. In each case, authors and supporters highlighted the cultural, historical, or public-safety significance of the measures. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments on several bills, including AB 359 on the Political Reform Act, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices and penalizing sellers, AB 1286 on public employment transparency, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AJR 14, urging federal attention to the impact of tariffs on California ports, passed 44-1 after debate over trade policy and port jobs. AJR 17, calling for modernization of immigration law and a pathway to lawful status for long-term undocumented residents, passed 47-7 after extensive debate focused on immigrant families, the economy, and federal enforcement actions. The Assembly also adopted the resolutions by voice vote where required and recorded the roll-call results for the joint resolutions.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have maintenance facilities, aviation support. support facilities, as well as four joint military
  • We support them with training.
  • support the...
  • Based on a lot of the support and service support functions and high skill level positions that...
  • And ESGR provides the resources and they provide support.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • County's commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
  • We cannot do this with just county support alone.
  • I served in combat in the Iraq invasion as an enlisted cavalry scout and later in a Served in combat
  • Additional support to CVSOs would also support another challenge that we see among the community, which
  • Despite a lot of support, this bill did not get passed.
Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.