Senate Veterans Committee to meet in El Paso

EL PASO – On Monday, May 21, the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations will hold a public hearing in El Paso to discuss three interim charges.

The hearing will begin at 8:30am and the public is invited to testify.

WHAT: Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Interim Committee Hearing

WHEN: Monday, May 21, 2012; 8:30am

WHERE: El Paso Armed Forces Reserve Center, 11701 Montana Avenue, Room 225, El Paso, TX 79936

WHO: Senators Leticia Van de Putte (Chair), José Rodríguez, Brian Birdwell (Vice Chair), and Wendy Davis; invited testimony and members of the public

The charges to be discussed are as follows:

· Consider establishing a “Commander’s Council” in conjunction with the Office of the Governor’s Texas Military Preparedness Commission, to allow commanders of Texas’ military forces and installations to better coordinate and communicate with the Texas Legislature and state leadership. Develop a comprehensive communication plan with Texas military installations, and recommend any legislative initiatives necessary to support the installations, active-duty service members and their families on and around the installations, and the partnerships between the defense community and the community within which the military installations reside.

· Study the use and impact of Veterans Courts throughout Texas. Make recommendations relating to potential funding sources, staffing requirements, additional direct services not provided by the Veterans Administration, and possible expansion.

· Monitor the implementation of the administration of the Veterans Housing Assistance Program by the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Those testifying and submitting written testimony, are asked to provide 10 copies with their name on each.