OFF THE WIRE
California veterans and their families will receive a slew of new
state benefits _ from cheaper college tuition to expedited vocational
licenses _ under a legislative package signed by Gov. Jerry Brown
Thursday.
The Democratic governor said in a statement that the 18 bills "respect the honor and dignity of those who serve."
He
also took the opportunity to needle Congress about failing to work
across party lines for the benefit of service members in a similar way.
"Yesterday,
a bill to invest in job training for veterans was blocked because of
Washington political infighting," he said. "Here in California,
Republicans and Democrats joined together to support our veterans."
Among
the bills signed into law are AB2371, which provides treatment for
criminal defendants suffering from a mental illness acquired during
military service, and SB1287, which grants injured veterans discounted
fishing licenses.
Another, AB1505, says California will reinstate
benefits for soldiers discharged from the military for being gay if the
federal government does.
Many of the new laws involve higher
education. One triples the number of years veterans are eligible for
priority registration at public colleges. Another extends eligibility
for in-state tuition.
Several establish new funding mechanisms for veterans' services, including a new "support our troops" specialized license plate.
California National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Baldwin said the legislation shows the state is keeping its promises.
"This
comprehensive package of legislation signed by Gov. Brown continues to
demonstrate that California is fulfilling its obligat
