SACRAMENTO - Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) and veterans from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities joined at the State Capitol today to announce new legislation that will ensure state veterans benefits are not denied to veterans discharged solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell was repealed in September because of the growing understanding that not only do our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender veterans have the right to serve openly, but that our country is safer when they do," said Dr. Pan, Vice-Chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs. "Beginning the conversation about how we treat these veterans, who dedicated their lives to their country only to be separated unjustly from the military, is an important step towards equality."
"It is important, especially with the repeal of DADT, that our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans are taken care of and that they receive all the benefits they deserve for serving our country," said Mario Guerrero, Government Affairs Director for Equality California. "We look forward to the work ahead with Dr. Pan to make sure that this bill is approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Brown."
"Since our nation first engaged in conflict, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender men and women have stepped up to support and defend the American way of life and ensure our interests were secure. Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV) supports Dr. Pan's legislation because it honors California's LGBT veterans by providing them with benefits they have rightfully earned," said Ty Redhouse, President of Sacramento Valley Veterans. "In September, we saw the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which moved our military and our country forward to a better, more equal future. This bill will help ensure LGBT Veterans who have fought in wars past are not left behind."
"California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) applauds Dr. Pan for his leadership in ensuring that all California veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation, are afforded the benefits they have earned through their service to our country," said Keith Boylan, Policy and Program Coordinator for Swords to Plowshares, a CAVSA agency that helps low-income veterans transition to civilian life.
The bill will ensure state veterans benefits are given to LGBT veterans discharged solely for sexual orientation or gender identity and expression after serving during conflicts such as the first Gulf War and in Vietnam and currently denied state and federal benefits. While most military service members discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy are not currently denied federal and state benefits, this bill will ensure their rights to state veterans benefits continue by making them part of state law.
"These state benefits are significant and include college tuition fee waivers for veterans' dependents and eligibility for Veterans Homes of California and CalVet Farm and Home Loans," said Dr. Pan. "There are also economic opportunities that can help these veterans support themselves and their families. These include business license, tax and fee waivers, veterans preference in California civil service examinations. They also include the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program—a program that ensures a portion of the state's overall annual contract dollars are awarded to certified disabled veteran-run businesses."
Other state veterans benefits the bill would provide include:
- Non-Resident College Fee Waiver
- Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Waived
- Disabled Veteran License Plates
- Free License Plates
- State Of California Veterans Cemetery
- Veterans Claims Representation
- Fishing And Hunting Licenses
- Employment And Unemployment Insurance Assistance
- State Parks And Recreation Pass
- Property Tax Exemptions
Dr. Richard Pan is a father, pediatrician, educator, small business owner and first-term Assemblymember who lives in Sacramento. He also represents the Cities of Citrus Heights and Folsom and surrounding areas.
CONTACT: Brian O'Hara (916) 319-2005
