MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

1:30 p.m.

San Antonio City Council Chamber

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, in the San Antonio City Council Chamber.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Leticia Van de Putte Senator Eliot Shapleigh		Senator Craig Estes Senator Chris Harris Senator Steve Ogden

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 1:21 p.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

The chair recognized BG Karen Rankin to lead the committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

The chair made opening remarks and recognized Senators Shapleigh and Lucio and Representative Farias to make statements.  City Council member Mary Alice Cisneros welcomed the committee to the City Council chamber.

 

The chair called members of the public to provide invited testimony on the following interim committee charges:

 

Study veteran reintegration issues, including the occurrence of post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse problems, and domestic violence and other family issues.  Make suggestions regarding what the state could do to supplement and enhance related services for veterans and their families, focusing on state military forces veterans and reservists.  Include an assessment of the implementation of SB 1058, 80th Texas Legislature, relating to reintegration counseling services.

 

Study state services and benefits for injured service members and their families who are recovering from their injuries and rehabilitating in Texas.  Make recommendations on how to better serve them.

 

 

There being no further business, at 5:55 p.m. Senator Van de Putte moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair

 

 

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Jennie Costilow, Clerk

 

 

(See attached witness list)