Our soldiers are the bravest men and women who risk their life and limb to protect our national borders and ensure a safe life for each of us. But does our state really care for them, once they are discharged from the armed forces either due to retirement or other reasons. Unlike the Republicans, the Texas Democrats are proud of their veterans and make every effort to show our gratitude to them for their selfless and highly commendable acts of service.
To truly honor the men and women who serve our country, state and federal policy should demonstrate respect for the sacrifices made by military veterans by ensuring a smooth transition from military to civilian life and providing benefits to honor their service.
Texas Democrats support the continuation and enhancement of veteran's benefits, including post military training, medical and disability and deplore the hypocrisy of arm chair patriots who talk glowingly of war and wrap themselves in the flag while turning their backs on those who fought those wars and defended that flag.
Over the last few years, the Republican Congress has consistently underfunded the Department of Veterans Affairs. In many VA hospitals and medical facilities, the budget shortfalls have become so severe that they have stopped scheduling new appointments, been unable to replace doctors and nurses who have retired or left and even been unable to keep surgical suites operational due to a lack of equipment. Texas Democrats support:
- professional licensing for skills learned during military service, including programs like Troops to Teachers
- job training for veterans
- adequate and affordable health insurance coverage and health care services for veterans and their families, including mental health care services
- restoring funding and service cuts and expanding clinical services at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
- the establishment of a new, full service VA Hospital in South Texas
- extend the rights of full citizenship to non-citizen veterans who have served our country in the United States military/li>
- programs to encourage and support veterans and their families to obtain higher education, such as expanding the Hazlewood Act to permit veterans who have not fully utilized their entitlement under this act to pass on any remainder of the unused credit hours to their children.
Texas Democrats will use every available opportunity and every forum at their disposal to strive for honoring our veterans and protecting their right to a dignified life.
I love politics. My Texan Democrat Blog I want to get out there and support the democratic party.
Source: www.a1articles.com
