 VETERANS LEGISLATION
Veterans are a high priority at the State Capitol. Both the Oregon House and Senate have legislative committees assigned to veteran's issues and this year more than 50 bills, memorials or resolutions were adopted by the legislature which impact veterans and their families. A few of them are listed below:
Veterans Recognition
SB 951 sets aside June 25th each year as Korean War Veterans Honor Day. Although it is referred to as the "Forgotten War," the hope is this day will help ensure the 37,500 Oregon veterans from that war are never forgotten. SB 74 makes every March 30th Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. It is well know that many of Oregon's Vietnam veterans greet each other by saying "Welcome Home". This day will mark an official "Welcome Home" and help recognize their service. HB 3658 honors Oregon veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice by creating a special medal of honor for members of the military fallen in the line of duty. Reintegration for Veterans - Click here to learn more about programs available HB 3207 ensures veterans seeking positions in government agencies will get a job interview if they list their military skills and education on their employment application. SB 275 requires Community Colleges to establish course credit standards for training and education acquired while serving in the military. HB 2403 & HB 3500 provide more support for veterans returning from duty by improving reintegration outreach and coordination involving the Oregon Military Department and other agencies. HB 2919 makes employers who hire veterans eligible for financial assistance through the Building Opportunities for Oregon Small Business Today (BOOST) program. HB 2241 enhances state employment protection laws prohibiting discrimination against service members. Services for Veterans & Their Families SB 241 requires state agencies to inquire if their customer or client is a veteran and provide appropriate material about services available. They must also provide information about assistance to homeless shelters and other organizations. SB 276 encourages better partnerships between the military and outside health professionals regarding sexual trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions associated with military service. HB 3391 sets up a Task Force on Military Families to educate the public about the needs of military families and identify resources to help these families. SB 338 creates Task Force on Tuition Waivers for Spouses and Dependents of Fallen and Disabled Soldiers at Community Colleges. Similar waivers have been in place for public universities for the past few years. HB 3074 allows soldiers serving abroad to vote by email for Oregon elections. Current law allows them to submit ballots using a fax machine. Aging Veterans 15 years ago a 150 bed Oregon Veterans nursing home opened in The Dalles (donations are always welcome for this home). There are around 900 veterans in Oregon who need similar long-term residential care. SB 73 enhances the state's efforts to build a second home in Lebanon. HB 2578 starts the process for locating a third Veterans Home in Roseburg. HB 3208 calls for future planning to be conducted on the need for skilled nursing beds and community settings for veterans. | 
