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Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Commitment to Serving State’s 1.5 Million Veterans

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Governor also awards $1.5 million for veterans recovering from substance abuse

Governor Ron DeSantis today highlighted Florida’s commitment to serving the state’s 1.5 million veterans through state programs and initiatives that provide resources and opportunities that help build the future success of Florida’s veterans. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Commitment to Serving State’s 1.5 Million Veterans

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Two Bills to Support Florida’s Veterans

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Governor Ron DeSantis today signed CS/CS/HB 501: Alternative Treatment Options for Veterans and CS/CS/HB 427: Honor and Remember Flag, at the University of South Florida’s Office of Veteran Success.

“Here in Florida, we take great pride in being the most veteran-friendly state in the nation and I am proud to sign these two bills today to support our veterans,” said Governor DeSantis. “With more than 1.5 million veterans living in Florida, this community makes up an important part of our state’s identity. While we may never be able to fully repay these men and women for their sacrifices, we will continue to do everything we can to support them and their families.”

“I’m proud of Governor DeSantis, our Cabinet and legislature for supporting FDVA and the 1.5 million veterans of our state,” said Danny Burgess, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Together, we will work to ensure Florida continues to lead the charge as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office

CS/CS/HB 501, sponsored by Representative Mel Ponder and Senator Tom Wright, creates a $200,000 pilot program focused on treating post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries in veterans using alternative therapies. It expands available therapies for eligible veterans to include accelerated resolution therapy, equine therapy, music therapy, service animal training therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at registered facilities

“I would like to thank Governor DeSantis for signing this good piece of legislation today,” said Representative Mel Ponder. “Too many veterans are returning home with wounds from conflict, after laying their lives on the line for our freedom, to insufficient care. We need to do better to honor and thank the sacrifices these heroes have made for us and this legislation is a step in the right direction.”

“I’m so proud Governor DeSantis signed the alternative treatments bill today,” said Senator Tom Wright. “This bill will allow us to provide the treatments our veterans need to cure PTSD/TBI. These men and women have served us proudly and with honor and now it’s our time to serve them.”

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office

CS/CS/HB 427, sponsored by Representative Tommy Gregory and Senator Joe Gruters, allows the flying of a new flag, the Honor and Remember Flag, to serve as the state’s emblem of the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty. It allows the flag to be flown on Veterans Day, Gold Star Mother’s Day and a day on which a member of the United States Armed Forces who is a resident of Florida loses his or her life.

“It was my honor, as a retired Air Force officer and member of the Legislature, to ask the State of Florida to display this flag to honor the men and women who gave their lives defending our country and recognize the sacrifices of Gold Star families,” said Representative Tommy Gregory.  

“It was an honor to be a part of this piece of legislation that recognizes and remembers our fellow Floridians, Gold Star Families, and Fallen Heroes who gave their lives so we can live ours,” said Senator Joe Gruters.

Governor DeSantis was joined at the bill signing by FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess, Bryan Anderson of non-profit Veterans Alternative, Gold Star father Kris Hager, Senators Tom Wright and Kelli Stargel, Representatives Tommy Gregory, Jamie Grant, Jennifer Webb and Fentrice Driskell, and Representative-elect Randy Maggard.

For more information on CS/CS/HB 501, read the bill summary HERE.

For more information on CS/CS/HB 427, read the bill summary HERE.

Gov. Scott: Securing Florida's Future Budget Includes $178 Million Investment for Florida's Veterans

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On Monday, Governor Rick Scott announced his proposal for $178 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families in Florida as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. He also announced his support for a proposal being considered by the Constitution Revision Commission to provide free tuition to the families of fallen first responders, state law enforcement officers and military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Governor Scott’s $178 million investment for Florida’s active military, veterans and their families includes:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.

Florida Veterans Encourage Responsible Energy Development

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Vets4Energy, a group of volunteer veterans who advocate for pro-energy policies to sustain our national security, will be attending the Florida Energy Summit in Fort Lauderdale on October 18-20, 2017, to encourage Florida to embrace all forms of safe, responsible energy development in efforts to enhance both the economy as well as national security. One form in particular includes hydraulic fracturing, a proven and highly-regulated technique to extract energy from a well.
Hydraulic fracturing uses a fluid comprised of 99.5 percent water and sand and less than one percent of chemicals frequently found in common household products. Countless steps are taken to protect groundwater before the process begins, and to date there have been NO confirmed cases of groundwater contamination due to hydraulic fracturing.
“As a retired member of the U.S. Army, I have experienced first-hand the direct relationship energy security has on our country’s national security, which is why I continue to serve America by educating and informing others about the crucial need to increase our domestic energy supply,” said Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes, Florida Vets4Energy co-chair and member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. “Hydraulic fracturing has provided our country with a reliable oil supply for more than seventy years, and we urge Florida policymakers to reconsider any bill that would prohibit its use in our state without conducting additional research.”
“Many studies have demonstrated the significant benefits processes such as hydraulic fracturing have on our everyday lives. Not only are we able to achieve energy independence and reduce our reliance on foreign countries for oil, but hydraulic fracturing also provides economic security and jobs for hardworking Floridians,” said Mark Alvarez, a retired U.S. Army member and Florida Vets4Energy member. “It does not make sense to eliminate a scientific technique based on emotion rather than scientific facts, and we hope Florida will consider the positive impact hydraulic fracturing has had in suppling energy to our state.”
To learn more, please visit www.vets4energy.com or www.flaenergyforum.com, or follow @FLAENERGY on Twitter.