Representatives Give Testimony on Behalf of Veterans Bill

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus) gave sponsor testimony before the House Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security Committee in support of House Bill 192.

The bill would permit County Veterans Service Commissions the OPTION to add two seats to their boards. These seats would be reserved for a veteran from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or any supporting operations tied to those conflicts as well as one board seat for any military spouse. If a County Veterans Service Commission decided to add the two seats, a judge would appoint a member to serve a two-year term beginning in January of 2018 and ending in January of 2020.

“Our goal in introducing the legislation is to ensure that all veterans and military families have the opportunity to make their voices heard through their County Veterans Service Commission,” said Rep. Anielski. “With the additional two members added to the board, more experiences and needs can be shared with the commissions to facilitate additional ideas and solutions.”

“The military spouse is the service member’s secret weapon. The military spouse provides the resiliency, the support, and all of the unspoken understanding so critical for those called to serve in harm’s way. Our Veterans Services capacity will expand tenfold with the addition of a military spouse in our commissions,” said Rep. Miller.