Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 80th Legislative Session.
Committee Information
CHAIR
Leticia Van de Putte
VICE-CHAIR
Eliot Shapleigh
MEMBERS
Craig Estes
Chris Harris
Steve Ogden
DIRECTOR:
Jenee Margo Gonzales
CLERK:
Kathryn Freeman
TEL:
(512) 463-2211
FAX:
(512) 463-7683
Legislative Assistant:
Brent Turner
LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 345
Video/Audio — Archives
80th Session Interim
- September 16, 2008
- September 9, 2008 — Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations, House Committee on Defense Affairs and State-Federal Relations; Road Meeting: San Antonio (audio only).
- August 11, 2008
- May 13, 2008 — Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations, Senate Subcommittee on Base Realignment and Closure; Road Meeting: El Paso (audio only).
- April 1, 2008 — Road Meeting: San Antonio (audio only).
80th Regular Session
- May 17, 2007 — Audio only.
- May 16, 2007 — Note: Due to technical issues, audio begins approximately one minute after the beginning of the video.
- April 25, 2007
- April 11, 2007
- April 11, 2007 — Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Government Organization, Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
- April 4, 2007 (Part II)
- April 4, 2007 (Part I)
- March 28, 2007
- March 7, 2007
Hearing Documents and Press Items
Important Updates
- December 9, 2008 – Updated list of Texans fallen in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
- July 2008 – The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008
- August 2, 2007 – Veteran & Military Bills Passed - 80th Session
Press Room
- October 10, 2008 – TEA provides support to regions expecting student enrollment surges due to base realignments
- September 16, 2008 – Senator Van de Putte Holds Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee Hearing
- September 8, 2008 – Veteran Affairs and Military Installations and Defense Affairs and State Federal Relations to hold interim hearing in San Antonio, Texas
- September 3, 2008 – State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, to be awarded medal by National Guard Association of the United States
- August 20, 2008 – Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, Responds to Gov. Perry's call for Higher Education Benefits for Veterans and their Families
- June 25, 2008 – Senator Van De Putte Applauds Efforts Of U.S. Department Of Education & U.S. Department Of Defense
- April 4, 2008 – Sen. Van de Putte Welcomes New Director of Veteran Affairs and Military Installations (VAMI) Committee
- March 31, 2008 – Wounded Warrior Day in San Antonio: Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations to hold hearing
Interim Charges
- Examine any existing state veteran hiring and procurement preferences and procedures and make recommendations for improving and enhancing these programs to increase efficiencies and maximize funding.
- 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.
- Study the relationships between military installations and the surrounding communities and make recommendations addressing encroachment and quality of life.
- Examine ways that "The Fund for Veterans Assistance" established by H.B. 3107, 80th Texas Legislature, could be maximized to the benefit of Texas veterans.
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Veteran Affairs & Military Installations Committee, 80th Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Focus on the implementation of the Texas Veterans Commission (H.B. 3426) and Texas Veterans Land Board (H.B. 3140) Sunset reviews.
