Gov. Brian Kemp signed three bills into law Tuesday that will support Georgia veterans, including one that establishes a mental health support program grant for veterans and their families.
Under HB 414, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) will administer the grants which will be awarded to nonprofit community behavioral health programs that meet eligibility criteria – subject to the availability of funding. Kemp was joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) Colonel Patricia Ross, Major General Tom Carden of the Georgia National Guard, representatives from major veterans’ organizations in the state, and members of the General Assembly when the three bills – including SB 21 and HB 175 – were signed into law.
“I am deeply grateful to the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the members of the General Assembly for their unwavering commitment to those who have served in the Armed Forces,” said Kemp. “This important legislation provides support and resources for the brave men and women who have worn a uniform for our country, and Georgia is proud to be a state that honors and values its veterans.”
The bi-partisan HB 414 was sponsored by Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, Rep. Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, and Rep. Farooq Mughal, D-Dacula, and was carried in the Senate by Sen. Ben Watson, R-Savannah.
To be considered for funding, programs must meet certain criteria as set by the bill.
Kemp also signed SB 21, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick, R-Marietta, Sen. Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton, Sen. Larry Walker, R-Perry, Sen. Frank Ginn, R-Danielsville Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, and a host of other Senators. It was carried in the House by Rep. Josh Bonner, R-Fayetteville, and makes changes to the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation to better mobilize its resources for the benefit of those it serves.
HB 175, sponsored by Lauren Daniel, R-Locust Grove, includes provisions championed by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service removing burdensome requirements to our state’s disabled veterans and creating a specialty license plate for Retired Georgia National Guard and Retired Active Duty Reserve members.
“We are thankful for Governor Kemp’s support for our military and veteran communities. Ensuring access to high-quality mental and behavioral healthcare is vital for the continued well-being of our military service members, veterans, and their families,” said Patricia Ross, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Veterans Service. “The GDVS is committed to building a strong network of support for our state’s selfless heroes.”
