The Year Of The Veteran
As the Vice Chairman of the Senate Veteran’s Caucus, I spearheaded the first ever Maryland Veterans Summit, where representatives from 50 Veterans organizations identified the top issues for the VETERANS AGENDA.
When I gave this to all 188 legislators, it helped them introduce bills that would make a real difference (can’t do it all myself). I am thrilled that as a result 27 important Veterans bills passed.
I can’t finish this without your support! Please join us on Friday, May 18th at 5:30 pm at the Wildewood Lodge, located at 23050 Wildewood Drive, California, MD 20619
PASSED LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Military Retirement Tax Cut
Veteran Resource Centers
Surviving Spouses Benefits
Veteran-Owned Small Business
Priority College Registration
Employment & Transition Assistance
Military Retirement Tax Cut
One of the top priorities was a complete exemption of military retirement pay. We didn’t get the whole thing, but we got a YUGE step in the right direction. SB996 is a 50% increase in the exemption, and it starts 10 years earlier.
That’s the second increase we’ve gotten since I was elected. We will keep knocking on this door until we keep every retiree in Maryland.
Veteran Resource Centers
Vets are not the typical under-grads.
The Colonel Todd J. Hixson Memorial Resource Center Act requires each community college to establish a veterans resource center with a full-time student adviser trained on the unique needs and resources available for students who are veterans, plus provide enrollment and advising services to current and prospective students who are veterans.
Surviving Spouses Benefits
Spouses bear the burden of military life, and veteran benefits should remain with the family after they pass.
SB-429 expands eligibility for a property tax credit to include a Surviving Spouse.
SB-626 expands the exemption from vehicle registration fees to Surviving Spouses of Veterans.
Veteran-Owned Small Business
Veteran-Owned Small Business deserves a leg up, and state agencies aren’t making their targets for VOSB because it’s too hard to be ‘qualified’.
SB-1165 alters the definition of “veteran” for purposes of governing veteran-owned small business enterprise participation in state procurement.
Priority College Registrations
The first step to transition is often going back to college.
HB-1074 requires public institutions of higher education to grant priority registration for courses to currently serving members and veterans of the armed forces of the United States.
Employment & Transition Program
It’s all about JOBS.
HB-1096 established the Veteran Employment and Transition Success Program to provide grants to assist transitioning veterans in obtaining a certification, license, or registration.
Veteran Suicide Prevention
The epidemic of suicides emerged as the #1 Veteran priority, and the entire Senate approved SB911, Veterans Suicide Prevention Plan.
The House of Delegates refused to even vote it.
It is a travesty that for purely political purposes someone would kill a bill that would save lives. Some people are just more interested in a cushy office than doing the right thing. I want to go back to Annapolis and GET THIS DONE.
Keep A Marine In The Senate
I can’t finish this without your support!
Please join us on Friday, May 18th at 5:30 pm at the Wildewood Lodge, located at 23050 Wildewood Drive, California, MD 20619
I’m a Bulldog Who Works For YOU!
Being part of the Maryland General Assembly as your State Senator is a distinct honor and privilege. I am passionate about representing the wonderful people of St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. Our communities are stronger when we all work together and the need for cohesiveness through compromise has never been stronger.
Semper Fi,
Senator Steve Waugh
Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties