Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B) – Legislative Update
On Monday, veterans across the state held their Veterans Day on the Hill event to announce their 2018 legislative agenda. All military branches were represented and these brave men and women were honored for their service to our state and country. Many veterans spoke at the rally in favor of proposed legislation to improve the quality of life for those who have served. A few of these bipartisan measures would provide one-time tax credit incentives for hiring qualified veterans, ensure the surviving spouses of veterans have financial security to stay in their homes, and protect military benefits from predatory lenders.
As the DFL-Lead on the House Veterans Affairs Division, I’ve had the opportunity to review a variety of proposals sponsored by both sides of the aisle. One bill in particular I’ve been working on this year would give more options to veterans seeking alternative treatments for PTSD or traumatic brain injuries including:acupuncture, art, equine, meditation, music, yoga, accelerated resolution, and indoor and outdoor sports and service animal training therapy. Traditional, westernized medication and counseling doesn’t always work for everyone. I’ll continue the conversation with the committee chair so he’ll consider giving the bill a hearing.
It is crucial for us as lawmakers to recognize the challenges our veterans face on a daily basis; serving on the Veterans Affairs Division provides a rewarding opportunity to find solutions and ways we can help.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or input.
Sincerely,
Paul