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Gov. Abbott Signs Veterans Bills During San Antonio Visit

Friday, at Texas’ oldest VFW post in San Antonio, Abbott signed six bills that were part of his veterans’ initiative.   The bills, carried mainly by Bexar County lawmakers, improve access to mental healthcare and make it easier for veterans and their families to acquire occupational licenses.

“This is just one way we will empower veterans in Texas even more to be more economically independent and to have better healthcare for their future and to insure we prepare military bases in this state for even greater strength and greater prosperity as we advance Texas even further,” Abbott pointed out.

The bills signed into law waive fees associated with occupational certification programs and exempt veterans from paying the state’s business tax when starting a small business.  The state unemployment rate for veterans is still rising and nearing the national average of 9 percent.  

“The theme along with those bills is that we want to get our veteran community back to work as soon as possible or starting their own business so they can mainstream back into society as productive members of society,” said Sen. Jose Menendez.  The San Antonio Democrat attended the bill signing.

Menendez also authored a bill that provides female veterans a mental health program that addresses sexual assault.

Ryan started his radio career in 2002 working for Austin’s News Radio KLBJ-AM as a show producer for the station's organic gardening shows. This slowly evolved into a role as the morning show producer and later as the group’s executive producer.