MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

Thursday, September 30, 2010

8:00 a.m.

Bexar County Commissioners Court

 

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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 Thursday, September 30, 2010, in the Bexar County Commissioners Court.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Leticia Van de Putte Senator Jeff Wentworth Senator Brian Birdwell Senator Wendy Davis		Senator Craig Estes Senator Eliot Shapleigh

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:04 a.m.  There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted: 

 

The chair recognized Texas Adjutant General, Major General Jose Mayorga, to lead the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

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

 

The chair laid out interim charge 2, examine the potential risks 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 provide for returning service members and their family members during initial reunion phase.  The chair recognized the following persons to provide invited testimony (see attached witness list).

 

Senator Davis present at 8:40 a.m.

The chair laid out interim charge 9, monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. The Committee specifically reviewed the following:

Monitor implementation of constitutional amendments relating to veterans issues. The chair recognized the following persons to provide invited testimony (see attached witness list).

Monitor the implementation of $5 million for mental health services programs for veterans, the military and their dependents, following the Ft. Hood tragedy.   The chair recognized the following persons to provide invited testimony (see attached witness list).

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

At 11:16 a.m. Senator Wentworth moved that the Committee stand recessed until 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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Felicia Wright, Clerk