MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS HEALTH, SELECT

Thursday, September 30, 2010

8:00 a.m.

Bexar County Commissioners Court

San Antonio, Texas

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans Health, Select was held on Thursday, September 30, 2010, in the Bexar County Commissioners Court.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Jeff Wentworth

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

Senator Brian Birdwell

Senator Wendy Davis

 

Senator Jane Nelson

 

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The Senate Committee on Veterans Health, Select held a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations.  Senator Leticia Van de Putte served as chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations and Senator Jeff Wentworth served as chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Health, Select.

 

Senator Van de Putte called the meeting to order at 8:04 a.m.  Senator Van de Putte made opening remarks.  Senator Van de Putte recognized Senator Wentworth to make remarks. 

The committee clerk called roll for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations.  There was a quorum present.  The following business was conducted:

 

Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on August 24, 2010; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Van de Putte laid out Interim Charge 2: Examine the potential risk factors for returning service members, which may contribute to an increase in domestic violence and child abuse cases. Additionally, determine best practices, including funding options, to ensure that specific counseling related to these risk factors is available to and provided for returning service members and their family members during the initial reunion phase.

 

Witnesses who registered and testified are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Wendy Davis arrived at 8:40 a.m. after the roll was called.

 

Senator Van de Putte laid out Interim Charge 9a: Monitor implementation of constitutional amendments relating to veterans issues.

 

Witnesses who registered and testified are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Van de Putte laid out Interim Charge 9b: Monitor the implementation of $5 million for mental health services programs for veterans, the military and their dependents, following the Ft. Hood tragedy.

 

Witnesses who registered and testified are shown on the attached list.

 

There being no further business before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations, at 11:29 a.m. Senator Wentworth moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Wentworth assumed the chair at 11:30 a.m. and announced the committees would stand at ease for a short break.

 

Senator Wentworth called the meeting to order at 11:36 a.m. 

 

The committee clerk called roll for the Senate Committee on Veterans Health, Select.  There was a quorum present.  The following business was conducted:

 

Senator Van de Putte moved adoption of the Select Committee Rules; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Wentworth laid out Interim Charge 1: Review the availability and quality of federal health care benefits for Texas veterans, including VA hospitals, primary and specialty health care services, and social work services.  Make recommendations to the Texas Legislature and the Veterans Administration for improving access and quality of services.

 

Witnesses who registered and testified are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Wentworth laid out Interim Charge 2: Review the availability and quality of state health care benefits for Texas veterans, including state supported nursing homes, mental health services, and other primary and specialty health care services.  Make recommendations to the Texas Legislature for improving access and quality of services.

 

Witnesses who registered and testified are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Wentworth laid out Interim Charge 3: Monitor the BRAC recommended integration of Wilford Hall Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center and the subsequent creation of the San Antonio Military Medical Center to ensure that Texas veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

 

Witnesses who registered and testified are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Wentworth announced that the next Select Committee meeting will be held in mid-November at the Regional Health Academic Center, Harlingen, Texas.  The Select Committee will be addressing charges one and two. 

 

There being no further business, at 1:16 p.m. Senator Van de Putte moved that the Select Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Jeff Wentworth, Chair

 

 

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Katie King Ogden, Director/Clerk