BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.C.R. 21
85R8257 BPG-D	By: Taylor, Van
	Veteran Affairs & Border Security
	3/24/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the United States armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy or presented to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.

In 1932, the Military Order of the Purple Heart was established to protect and further the interests of Purple Heart recipients. Its membership remains composed entirely of Purple Heart recipients.

Texas is home to 1.5 million veterans, representing five percent of the nation�s total veteran population. The state has 29 Purple Heart cities, four Purple Heart counties, and nine Purple Heart universities, which have all committed to recognizing veterans and honoring their commitments to veterans services. In addition, Texas is home to Henry T. Waskow New Tech High School in Belton, the first high school in the nation to earn a Purple Heart School designation, and to Purple Heart Elementary School in El Paso.

Numerous Texas agencies provide services to benefit former members of the military, including the Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Veterans Land Board, Office of the Adjutant General, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, State Bar of Texas, Department of State Health Services, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Workforce Investment Council, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments, Texas Commission on Jail Standards, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Texas Department of Agriculture.

The State of Texas is dedicated to improving the lives of its veterans with the highest standard of services, and it acknowledges the enormous sacrifices made by recipients of the Purple Heart.

RESOLVED

That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize Texas as a Purple Heart State.

That the Texas legislature encourage agencies and government bodies at all levels to serve veterans with the same degree of devotion demonstrated by members of the armed forces in their service to our state and nation.