Nation’s Governors Implement Policies to Support Veterans

As the country celebrates Veterans Day, the nation's Governors will mark the occasion by issuing proclamations and holding ceremonies to recognize the military service of America's veterans. During 2024, Governors have worked to recognize veterans through a number of legislative and policy proposals.

California

In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills designed to support veterans in a variety of ways, including housing and education. The education-related measures will reduce the burden on military-connected pupils and their families and publicly recognize and designate specific public schools as California Purple Star schools. Governor Newsom stated, "I am proud to sign into law legislation that will honor their service, improve their lives in California, and ensure that their families have what they need to thrive."

Georgia

This spring, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a series of bills focused on improving recruitment and supporting veterans, military service members and their spouses as they look to utilize their skills and abilities to fulfill the numerous opportunities available throughout the state. Of the legislation, Governor Kemp stated, "our veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in service to our country." Last year, Governor Kemp also signed legislation to establish a mental health support program grant for veterans and their families.

Maryland

In August, Maryland Governor Wes Moore pledged support for more than 150,000 military and veteran caregivers by joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes Campaign. The campaign raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face; brings critical resources to our nation's "hidden heroes" who care for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans; and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers. In October, Governor Moore announced $2.2 million in financial assistance to support small, minority and veteran-owned business growth to help make Maryland more competitive. The funding, which includes loans, loan guaranties, and equity investments from the Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program and the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority, will help the businesses create 36 new jobs and retain 131 workers in the state. This September 11, Governor Moore - who served in the U.S. Army - joined veterans for a ruck march to the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument to "honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 by continuing to defend our nation and our values."

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey held an event at the State House to celebrate National Women Veterans Appreciation Day and honor the remarkable women who have served in the armed forces, sharing "we recognize the immense contributions and sacrifices they have made, and their ongoing service to our community, state, and country." At the ceremony, Governor Healey presented the 2024 Deborah Sampson Award recipient to Mary-dith Tuitt, pictured, in recognition of her record of military and public service.

Missouri

Missouri Governor Mike Parson, who served in the U.S. Army, signed legislation that provides additional support to Missouri veterans and military members. The new legislation requires the Missouri Veterans Commission to review current practices and recommend additional efforts to prevent veteran suicide. The suicide rate among Missouri's veterans is nearly double the state rate and one of the highest in the country. The legislation also establishes the Missouri Veterans and Job Opportunity Grant Program and establishes a new medallion for the Missouri Veterans Program for every military operation during the Afghanistan War. Governor Parson noted, "We are proud to be a leading state for veterans, military members, and their families where they can find professional success, affordability, welcoming communities, and, above all, support and respect for their service to our great nation."

Montana

The Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made a positive impact in their community. Annually, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte travels around Montana to present the award to veterans. This year, 39 veterans will be recognized with the award. More information about the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation, including how to nominate a Montana veteran, may be found at recognizeveterans.mt.gov. In March, Governor Gianforte also led Invest in Veterans Week, kicking off the week by convening a roundtable discussion with veterans, advocates and support organizations to highlight recent investments and the importance of community support for Montana veterans and their families. Concluding the roundtable, Governor Gianforte shared, "As we get ready for the next legislative session, I look forward to working with partners like all of you to see how we can continue to make valuable investments for our nation's heroes."

New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of New York State's first-ever Veterans Mobile Outreach Centers, equipping the New York State Department of Veterans' Services with a fleet of three vehicles uniquely outfitted to assist veterans, service members and their families at any location across the state. "These innovative centers are a testament to our unwavering commitment to serving those who have selflessly served us. By bringing essential services directly to our veterans, service members, and their families, we're ensuring that support and resources are always within reach," Governor Hochul said. In July, Governor Hochul announced the opening of the $5.4 million Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments, a newly constructed 14-unit permanent supportive housing development for veterans located on the former Camp Shanks military station in Rockland County. This project was developed in partnership with Rockland Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit created to build housing for formerly homeless veterans.

North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper held a roundtable discussion at N.C. Works Career Center to focus on challenges veterans face transforming their military skills into marketable assets in the civilian workforce. To celebrate Military Appreciation Month, Governor Cooper welcomed service members and veterans to the Executive Mansion to thank them for their service.

South Carolina

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster spoke at the 2024 Governor's Annual Summit on Veterans' Affairs. The summit discussed the state's ongoing work to assist anyone who has served the country, and this year's summit included focus on veterans' homes. Governor McMaster, who served in the U.S. Army Reserves, shared that "South Carolina is a proud military state, and we must continue working together to ensure our veterans and their families receive the support they deserve."

Virginia

Last month, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Governor recognized ten Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employers for their exceptional commitment to recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans and military spouses during the 2024 V3 Awards Luncheon. The Governor told attendees, "Our desire to keep and retain qualified veterans was the inspiration for the V3 program. As part of our continuing commitment to our veterans, it is my honor to recognize these V3 Certified Employers who have shown their unwavering commitment to assuring that these veterans find success as members of our civilian workforce." This fall, Governor Youngkin also signed 20 bipartisan bills to expand support for Virginia's military personnel, veterans and their families. The legislation focuses on improving critical services, easing housing barriers and enhancing protections for those who serve. In July, Governor Youngkin commemorated National Hire a Veteran Day to remind and encourage Virginia employers to reach out and recruit military veterans to fill positions in their companies and organizations.

Of the nation's Governors currently holding office, the following Governors served in the armed forces:

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis,
• Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb,
• Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry,
• Maryland Governor Wes Moore,
• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz,
• Missouri Governor Mike Parson,
• Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and
• South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

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