Home California Governor Brown Signs Veteran Driver’s License Bill

Governor Brown Signs Veteran Driver’s License Bill

by ECT

Frazier Profile

Sacramento, CA – Assembly Bill 935, authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley), was signed into law by Governor Brown over the weekend. Beginning Veterans Day of 2015, this legislation will allow a veteran to apply for a California driver’s license or identification card with a designation that clearly identifies the individual as a veteran.

“California is home to the nation’s largest veteran population, nearly two million, yet almost one million have not been identified,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “Not only will AB 935 honor our state’s veterans, it will also play a critical role in improving access to resources, benefits and services for individuals who have served our country.”

There are a number of federal, state and local benefits and services available to veterans, including: assistance with employment, housing, health and counseling, educational opportunities and more.  Many of these services are coordinated through the County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs), who help veterans, their dependents and survivors access benefits. The ability to increase veteran outreach will help veterans receive benefits and services they may be eligible for while also increasing the amount of claims that CVSOs file.

“When implemented, this bill has the potential to bring California veterans over $750 million in direct federal benefits annually,” said Pete Conaty, retired Army veteran and advocate for over 20 veterans groups. “We want to thank Assemblymember Frazier for his tenacity on this issue. Without his leadership, this bill would not have gotten to the Governor’s desk.”

The designation will also be helpful to medical and law enforcement entities, many of whom have strongly advocated this legislation. Supporters maintain that the designation would ensure that medical and law enforcement workers are informed of an individual’s veteran status so that they can appropriately treat a veteran who may be suffering from medical trauma, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as a result of their service.

“Recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes is of the utmost importance to me,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I’m very proud to say that despite the hurdles and temporary setbacks this bill has faced over the past few years, our perseverance has paid off and will enrich the lives of veterans statewide.”

AB 935 received wide spread support from organizations including: The American Legion, AMVETS – Department of California, California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, California State Commanders Veterans Council, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Department of California and Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council.

To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at http://www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-778-5790.

 

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2 comments

James Sep 30, 2014 - 5:33 am

Thank You Jim !!!!!!!!!!

JimSimmons 42 Sep 30, 2014 - 6:04 am

Way to go Jim Frazier, thank you for being an advocate for the vets!!!!!

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