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This week I will discuss the interim charges recently issued to the House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs. Interim charges are the issues that the Speaker asks committees to study during the time between regular legislative sessions in order to make recommendations for legislation for the following legislative session. The charges are good indicators of what legislation the legislature will take up during the next session. Legislators rely on public input when crafting legislation, and it is important that they hear from people during the interim.
House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs
• Review the effectiveness and responsibilities of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC). The Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s goal is to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations. Additionally, the TMPC encourages defense related businesses to expand or relocate in Texas.
• Examine the resources available to the TMPC to ensure the council has the organizational structure in place to protect base installations in Texas during future federal defense cuts and base closures. Seek opportunities to enhance or expand current military missions in Texas and identify, when possible, new missions that could complement or support existing ones.
• Study methods to assure returning veterans have access to necessary transition assistance and access to job training, education, and sustainable employment, including monitoring federal actions and coordinating state and private programs. Specifically, explore options for alternative certification programs that give returning military service men and women credit for skills learned and time served while on active duty.
• Examine the recommendations contained in the report by the Texas Coordinating Council for Veterans Services (TCCVS), study whether these recommendations have been implemented, and examine new methods to help homeless Veterans using state, regional, and local resources. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
• Study the implementation of SB 462, which reorganized specialty court programs, such as drug courts and veterans courts. Examine which counties currently have veterans courts, as well as veterans courts in other states, and determine how those programs are working and whether these courts provide additional services or resources for veterans. Make appropriate recommendations. (Joint charge with the House Committee on County Affairs)
• Evaluate current resources at higher education institutions, state agencies, and community-based organizations that provide support for military veteran students. Review the current process for assessing and placing these students in appropriate course work so that they are successful. Determine if new funding sources are needed at community colleges to educate or train military veterans who might need Developmental Education or Adult Basic Education. Recommend strategies for effectively supporting military veteran students in their academic and workforce goals.
• Monitor the implementation of the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Program, in which volunteers, usually veterans themselves, meet and encourage other veterans. Particularly monitor the interaction between local mental health authorities and veterans' groups, with a focus on issues related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs can be reached at 512-463-1393. For more information on these charges or any other matter of state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.