Recap on veterans issues

The following is a recap on Nevada veterans’ legislation signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval signed five legislative bills benefiting veterans and completing a legislative session which furthered his goal to make Nevada the most veteran friendly state in the nation.

With veterans and legislators from across the state in attendance, the signing ceremony was held at American Legion’s Darrell Dunkle Post 1 in Reno, the first American Legion Post in Nevada,

“I have a profound respect for veterans and our military,” Sandoval said. “These bills were very important to me and on behalf of the legislators, and all of you who have served with grace and dignity, we here in Nevada appreciate all you have done!”

The signing included $14 million in state funding for the Northern Nevada Veterans Home (AB491). The additional two-thirds to complete the home will come from the Veterans Administration will service approximately 95 veterans and family members.

Additional bills included requirements for reporting duties for various oversight bodies (AB482), a tax exemption for employing veterans (AB71), and the veterans employment preference which provides opportunities for employers in the preference of hiring veterans or a spouse and for regulatory bodies to develop opportunities for reciprocity of licensure for veterans (AB89). A five-member Women Veterans Advisory council will be signed into law (AB241) and will conduct studies and provide advice to regulatory bodies on matters relating to women veterans.

“Gov. Sandoval made and kept his commitment to develop a complete veterans legislative package to address issues affecting veterans of all ages,” said Kat Miller, director of Nevada Department of Veterans Services. “He, with the unwavering support of Nevada’s Legislature and the support of Nevada’s veterans, has signed a variety of critical bills spanning education, employment and the funding of the Northern Nevada Veterans Home.”

The scheduled opening date for the Northern Nevada home is planned for September 2017 and is scheduled to be built in Sparks.