Video & Transcript : 'veterans cemeteries' :
Page 87 of 375
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- He's a Marine veteran.
- I'm a disabled Army veteran retiree and the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for California.
- I'm a disabled Army veteran retiree and the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for California.
- On average, more than 21 veterans die by suicide every day here in America.
- The motion is due pass to the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Committee:
House Health
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- that reduce veterans homelessness.
- We've looked at the statistics from the Veterans Affairs office here and we see the homeless veterans
- The impact that would be statewide for veterans who give so much.
- And you know what, Representative Gantt also had a veterans bill.
- I think there's so many things we could do for veterans and we need to be doing for our veterans.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think I voted no on a veterans appropriation bill the other day.
- I have two daughters that are veterans.
- of veterans have never gotten help.
- have veterans that are homeless, this is helping. ...veterans, or if we have veterans that are homeless
- I know in the bipartisan Veterans Caucus we discuss a lot of things that are good for veterans, and unfortunately
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...to establish a veteran civil service preference for public employment.
- So under state law in order to receive veterans benefits, it's...
- We have Jerry Fuzik from the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- For the record, I'm Jerry Fudrick, Chairman of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- The Veterans Legislative Coalition most strongly supports and endorses this bill.
Summary:
The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 16, 2026, and took executive action on four measures before moving to public hearings on two bills. The committee held Senate Bill 5842 for further discussion, then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, Senate Bill 5825, Senate Bill 5863, and Senate Bill 5840. SCR 8406 would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and was advanced unanimously to the Rules Committee. SB 5825, which authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments, was amended with a technical change and then advanced. SB 5863, extending the moratorium on destruction of Lakeland Village records and addressing access to certain historical records, also advanced without opposition. SB 5840, which changes campaign finance expenditure reporting schedules, was amended to adjust the implementation date to January 1, 2028 and then advanced after the committee waived the amendment publishing rule due to the short session timeline.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5827, sponsored by Senator Gildon, which would allow veterans to use a pre-discharge certification to claim civil service preference before receiving a DD-214. Staff explained the bill and clarified that the underlying qualifying discharge categories would remain unchanged. Senator Gildon said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could not access preference points before leaving active duty, and the Veterans Legislative Coalition testified in strong support. The hearing record noted 40 people signed in in favor and two opposed.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5968, sponsored by Senator Krishna Dawson, which would codify and expand the governor’s executive order on permitting and licensing timelines, require agencies to publish processing deadlines, phase in coverage of all credentials by 2030, and authorize fee refunds if deadlines are missed. The sponsor and staff said the bill is intended to improve predictability, accountability, and customer service, while agency flexibility would remain through OIRA. Support testimony came from the governor’s office, cosmetology, labor, construction trades, ports, business, and the Department of Health, all emphasizing delays’ impacts on jobs, projects, and access to care. The Department of Health reported substantial recent reductions in licensing times and said it lacked authority to issue refunds without the bill. The hearing closed with 26 people signed in, including supporters and opponents.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I was, and by the way, our veterans, it isn't about doing affecting our veterans negatively in any way
- And by the way, our veterans, this isn't about affecting our veterans in any way whatsoever, for anyone
- Which focuses on the Disabled Veteran Assistance Payments Program.
- No, I mean, he's got veterans, okay, in Hood County.
- have changed what it means to be 100% disabled as a veteran...
Committee:
Senate Finance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- HB 1300, by Lopez, relating to information and data regarding the incidents of veteran deaths in this
- state, referred to the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs.
- Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs, HB 1304 by HOPE relating
Summary:
The House met to read a large slate of newly filed bills and resolutions and refer them to committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including health care and insurance, public education, elections, criminal justice, public safety, taxes, transportation, agriculture, environmental regulation, higher education, housing, and local government. Several proposals focused on abortion and reproductive health, firearms, voter registration and ballot access, school curriculum and accountability, property tax and homestead issues, and state contracting and agency oversight. A number of constitutional amendments were also filed, including proposals on initiative and referendum, veto override authority, vaccination refusal, parental rights in education, gun rights, Medicaid expansion, and various tax exemptions.
No substantive debate, testimony, or votes occurred during this portion of the meeting; the clerk simply read the bills and resolutions and announced their committee referrals. The list included both general legislation and joint resolutions, with many items sent to standing committees and several to subcommittees. The House then adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
February 24, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It saves veterans $60 a year, every year that they renew their card, which keeps some of those veterans
- And I just want to say again, thank you to her on behalf of a grateful veteran and veterans around the
- I want to ensure that we continue to push towards advocacy for veterans.
- Veteran survivor benefits provided by the U.S.
- Department of Veterans Affairs help support the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who has died during
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Finance Advisory Committee May 14th Meeting May 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The veterans opportunity pilot, did that never just never got off the ground?
- Program within our Department of Veterans Affairs that pays minimum wage.
- My name is Mary Greene, and I am the fiscal manager of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- So we have a pharmacy that takes care of our veteran patients in the health care center.
- So we're really happy to report that we're able to take care of a lot of veterans.
Summary:
The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes of its April 2 meeting and then took up three budget transfers. The first, FAC 2026-6 for the Office of the State Treasurer, moved $75,000 from personal services to other expenses to pay for consultant help applying for federal energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provisions. Treasurer’s office staff said the agency had one open position and several others pending posting, and members discussed how the transfer related to vacant positions and the committee’s budget display.
The second item, FAC 2026-7 for the Office of the State Controller, transferred $700,000 from personal services to other expenses to cover higher Core-CT software maintenance and licensing costs. Comptroller staff said the office had 21 open positions, most in Core-CT, and explained that the system, implemented in 2003, receives regular quarterly and monthly updates from Oracle. Members also discussed how the system serves payroll, HR, purchasing, accounting, and related functions for many state agencies, including UConn and the Board of Regents.
The final item, FAC 2026-8 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, transferred $700,000 from personal services, the veterans opportunity pilot, and headstones accounts to other expenses for year-end operational needs. Commissioner Ron Welch said most vacancies were in the skilled nursing facility, food service, and physical plant, with staffing challenges especially for nurses and aides. He also explained that the veterans opportunity pilot never fully launched, that the Institutional General Welfare Fund has been depleted and the agency now relies more on general fund support, and that the department faces rising food, utility, and pharmaceutical costs, including a federal VA reimbursement change that will leave the state responsible for medication costs by 2027. All three transfers were approved, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/17/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:33:26.240><c> establishing</c> act relating to veterans establishing act relating to veterans
- And after a wonderful Veterans Home.
- </c> consolidated voice on veterans issues. consolidated voice on veterans issues.
- But the more Veterans Memorial.
- Veterans Memorial individualized Veterans Memorial individualized 58,000<00:48:26.480><c> people,</c>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- As a reminder, today is our Veterans Caucus meeting. We'll be meeting at 11:30.
- Gino Talas is the director of Hopi Veterans Services.
- HB 2603, veterans, military affairs and elections. HB 2607, veterans. HB 2616, waivers, education.
- I'll give you a minute to introduce yourself to the Veterans Caucus and any...
- that relate to the veterans or military family community.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- in the Upshore County of the Petty Officer Millie Bridge referred the Subcommittee on Defense of Veterans
- Memorial Highway for the Subcommittee on Defense of Veterans Affairs.
- status, providing notice of the Texas veterans.
- Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
- Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- seeking help preparing claims for federal veterans' benefits.
- The legislation protects veterans from deceptive or predatory practices while preserving their right
- The legislation protects veterans from deceptive or predatory practices while preserving their right
- The legislation requires disclosure of free assistance options, written consent from the veteran, and
- . ...growth in paid non-accredited claims assistance targeting veterans.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce Committee heard several bills and resolutions and took action on each. RS 23-983, a dietician licensure compact, was introduced by Senator Cook; he said the compact has already been enacted in 15 states and would not give the compact authority over Idaho law or licensing standards. After questions about sovereignty, the committee voted to send it to print. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1265, a code cleanup measure tied to the DOGE Task Force that removes outdated provisions related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, and RS 33125, which would recognize a homeschool high school diploma as equivalent to a standard diploma or GED for professional and occupational licensing purposes. RS 33153, sponsored by Senator Nichols, would create Idaho consumer protection standards for paid assistance to veterans filing federal benefits claims, including disclosure, fee limits, and bans on deceptive practices; it was also sent to print.
The committee approved minutes from February 3 and February 5, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1261, which would allow certain retired PERSI members appointed to fill elected local offices after a vacancy to keep their existing retirement benefits if they meet the bill’s conditions. Senator Lakey and Sheriff Getz said the measure is intended to treat appointed officials the same as elected ones in this context, and noted support from sheriffs, counties, cities, and no objection from PERSI. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1262, which would give insurance companies more flexibility in miscellaneous investments by replacing a confusing lesser-of standard with a clearer 10% of assets allowance. Senator Guthrie and United Heritage Life’s Jeff Niemeyer said the change would help insurers diversify, reduce risk, and potentially improve returns for policyholders; the Department of Insurance had no concerns. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, then adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We've lost thousands of veteran drivers who are retiring.
- We've lost thousands of veteran drivers who are retiring.
- I'm also a commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs, and I am a Marine Corps veteran
- For many veterans, service does not end when a veteran comes home.
- So this is in support: Pablo Cardone, veterans. And then, yeah, no, that's it.
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, community college, technical education, pilot program, driver training, transportation, Safe Haven Law, flyers, child safety, infant relinquishment, name image likeness
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a Marine Corps veteran and Iraq War veteran and service-connected disabled veteran, though I should
- I'm with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- The Veterans Legislative Coalition represents over 24 different veteran organizations throughout Washington
- I am also here on behalf of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
- I am also here on behalf of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
Summary:
The committee met to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning the Office of Privacy and Data Protection. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 and several amendments. The substitute would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, require tribal consultation, update the community reinvestment plan on a regular cycle, expand reporting and Office of Equity responsibilities, add definitions, and broaden the WSIPP study. Amendments to shorten the plan update cycle, restrict recipients from receiving other state housing assistance, bar certain officers and family members from grants, require independent audits, and expand WSIPP review were debated; only the amendment changing the plan update cycle from 10 years to 5 years was adopted. The committee then voted 8-5 to report the substitute HB 2523 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. HB 2606, which was described as implementing JLARC recommendations to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency in privacy/data protection functions, was then approved unanimously and reported out with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. HB 2684 would establish rebuttable presumptions that members of certain groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification, including adding Middle Eastern and North African individuals to the framework. Testimony was split: some speakers opposed the bill as discriminatory or constitutionally problematic, while others, including representatives of MENA businesses, CAIR Washington, and OMWBE, supported it as a needed fix to improve access to certification and contracting opportunities. The chair noted that amendments could still be submitted before the next day’s executive session, and the bill was set for further consideration the following morning.
House Joint Memorial 4012 urges Congress to bring the Major Richard Star Act to a floor vote. The prime sponsor and veteran advocates testified that the memorial seeks to address the “wounded veteran tax” by allowing combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Supporters said the change would correct an inequity affecting Washington veterans and their families. The committee closed the hearing on the memorial and announced that both HB 2684 and HJM 4012 would be considered the next morning.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- in this chamber, Senator Pope, if you could lead off tomorrow's Veterans Day.
- I think it's important to recognize our veterans, and I yield to Senator Pope and Senator Brant.
- Share any other veterans. Senator Ramos, anyone else veterans in the chamber? Senator Pope.
- I will yield to other veterans. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Pope.
- President, I'm not a veteran, but it's a long history in my family.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - House Floor Session - Opening Day Ceremony
Arizona House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that is spent in this budget for veterans is only for those veterans who are housed within the state
- veterans' homes or receiving medical services there.
- The veteran services that help those veterans who are not housed within the institution or state housing
- That's why we have the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- California veterans. Just for your comparison.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes.
Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds.
The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security will now come to order.
- Next, we'll take up tab 3, Senate Bill 1602 on housing for veterans by Senator Wright.
- Senate Bill 1602 creates the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program within the
- , to establish and oversee a... ...and case managers assigned to the veterans, to establish and oversee
- with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several measures. The committee first heard SM 1714, urging Congress to pass the federal No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban; after brief explanation and no testimony or debate, it was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1512 on Space Florida, which expands certain sales and use tax exemptions for qualifying tangible personal property and allows Space Florida to bypass competitive bidding for certain purchases when state funds are not used; support was noted from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s flagship, with discussion focused on the ship’s World War II and later service, museum role, and lack of known fiscal impact; it too was reported favorably.
The committee next approved SM 1186, which urges Congress and the National Guard Bureau to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with the sponsor citing Florida’s population, emergency history, and outdated allocation levels; one senator voiced support and the memorial was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds; two amendments were adopted, including technical and clarifying changes, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1604 created the related vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the pilot program; one technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think I voted no on a veterans appropriation bill the other day.
- I have two daughters that are veterans.
- of veterans have never gotten help.
- have veterans that are homeless, this is helping. ...veterans, or if we have veterans that are homeless
- I know in the bipartisan Veterans Caucus we discuss a lot of things that are good for veterans, and unfortunately
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from schools, cities, and medical and advocacy groups, and the clerk announced committee assignments and bill referrals.
The chamber then moved through committee-of-the-whole action on several bills. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do pass recommendations. In a later committee-of-the-whole, HB 2083, HB 2308, HB 2388, and HB 2389 were considered; HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 received do pass recommendations as amended, while HB 2389 drew debate over environmental review for power plants, with supporters arguing it would lower energy costs and opponents saying it weakened oversight. The House also retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar.
The House then took up third-reading votes on a long list of measures. Bills that passed included HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 and HB 2620 on financial institutions and veterans services, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related psychotherapy treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on cameras in long-term care rooms, HB 2968 on evidence in child custody proceedings, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of U.S. Route 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment failed, and HB 2123 failed on reconsideration after a close vote. Several votes featured debate over housing, energy, veterans’ services, pharmacy scope, family-court evidence rules, and the balance between local control and state oversight.
The session ended with committee announcements for the following week, personal privilege remarks, and a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was adopted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- She is a veteran who served in Afghanistan.
- As far as the legislation that you're introducing, I can't say how much, as a veteran, it speaks to my
- One thing that Senator Perry mentioned in the initial hearings for SB 5 was the veteran suicide rate,
- That's true for veterans.
- Jail vendors who make money off of food trade contracts every time a veteran goes to jail instead of
Summary:
Senator Nathan Johnson presented a pair of bills he described as a comprehensive cannabis reform package for Texas. He said one bill would regulate hemp-derived THC with a 21-and-over purchase age, a 5 mg THC threshold, testing, labeling, licensing, packaging, and marketing standards, an advisory committee to report to the Legislature, and a tax structure that would direct revenue to public health, law enforcement, testing, and the Texas Compassionate Use Program. He also said the legislation reflects work by Chairman Ken King and is intended as an alternative to a total ban, which he argued would be unenforceable and undesirable.
Johnson said the second bill would decriminalize possession and personal use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, allow limited home cultivation, and create a path to expunction for people convicted of conduct that would no longer be illegal. He argued current Texas THC laws are inconsistent, harmful, and disproportionately affect communities of color, while also diverting law enforcement resources. He said the bills aim to create a more consistent and enforceable framework and to support medical THC use.
Supportive testimony came from Shawn Salvahi, a veteran and Texas Cannabis Collective representative, who said decriminalization and homegrow would help veterans and first responders and that leaders should correct mistaken policy. Senator Molly Cook, an ER nurse, also backed Johnson’s approach and opposed SB 5, saying prohibition has failed, worsened safety, and created criminal and economic harms. In questions, Johnson said the Senate is likely to move SB 5, that the House could still change the outcome, and that he has been consistent in opposing a ban since 2018. The discussion also briefly touched on redistricting, with participants urging attention to flooding and criticizing proposed maps, but the main action was the presentation and defense of the THC bills ahead of floor consideration.