Written bu Lynn Goya,

While I’ve been trying to keep you abreast of critical national legislation, what happens at the state level is equally important. 

Montana Republicans propose a vote to close a veterans home even as they vote to increase tax cuts for corporations.  The Ohio Senate passed Veterans-friendly job bills.   Texas introduced legislation that would give college credit for some military skills. South Carolina Republican Senator John Courson introduces legislation to clarify that children of active duty military who have received a purple heart receive free tuition.

Nebraska Republican Senator Bob Krist designated as his key bill this session a measure that would require funeral protesters to stand at least 500 feet away from a service (a 300-foot increase) to address the despicable practice of anti-gay protests that have been organized by the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church and carried out during military funerals.  (A state senator who is a Vietnam Veteran and whose son is currently in Afghanistan added that he would like the bill to make protesters stay at least five miles from funerals.).

Marine Corp veteran Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Phoenix, introduces a bill that would allow honorably discharged veterans from any state to immediately receive full in-state tuition at the universities and community colleges within Arizona.

Nevada Veterans who want to keep up on legislative proposals that specifically target veterans may take advantage of an online project that tracks legislation sponsored by the Nevada Office of Veterans Services.  The Nevada legislature meets for 120 days every other year, so when the legislature is in session, lawmaking can be fast and furious.  The makes it easy for veterans to contact their state legislator to let them know how they feel about an upcoming vote.

If you are aware of other states that offer this kind of legislative watch, or if you are aware of state legislation from any state that would be of interest to veterans, please post in the comment section.