Thank a Veteran

SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) proposes a number of new programs to help veterans in Oregon.

“We owe everything we take for granted in our society to the hard work and sacrifices of our veterans,” said Representative Nelson. “That’s why, this week, we started work on a number of drafts to give back what we can.”

One bill introduced this week builds on one of last session’s successes, the Troops to Teachers program. House Bill 2577, which will receive its first reading on the House floor next week, would expand the program in order to allow veterans attending private colleges and universities to receive tuition assistance as if they were at a state-funded school. Another proposal would help ensure veterans are sufficiently represented in graduate and professional schools.

Education is not the only veterans issue for Representative Nelson. Other proposals include incentives to bring more health care providers into the Tricare system, tax credits for long term care costs incurred by veterans, and funding for funeral services for veterans killed in service.

Representative Nelson previously served as the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2005, and continues to make veterans a top legislative priority.

“If you can read this, thank a teacher,” Representative Nelson stated. “If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.”