Veterans represent a special type of American, people willing to step up in times of peace and war to fight back against those who would do us harm.

The son of a World War II tailgunner, and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Governor Perry has been a first-hand witness to the dedication and spirit of our military men and women.

As home to the second most active duty military families in the nation, Texas has a responsibility to support military families, welcome military members home when they return and ease their transition back to stateside service.

From property tax exemptions for fully disabled veterans, to making college more affordable for military members and their families, and improving access to health care, Governor Perry has supported and signed many measures meant to improve the lives of Texas veterans and their families.

Governor Perry will continue to ensure America's fighting men and women are receiving the opportunities and benefits they deserve for serving our country.

Action Items

»  The governor announced the College Credit for Heroes program, which expedites the entry of veterans and military service members into the workforce by allowing colleges and universities to develop programs that give them credit for experience, education and training obtained during their military service.
»  The governor announced a $3 million workforce development initiative, which seeks to maximize a returning veteran’s knowledge, skills and abilities for college credit and employment.
»  The governor worked with the Legislature and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to secure an additional $5 million to supplement the $1.2 million from the state budget to expand mental health treatment and support programs for veterans and their families.
»  The governor has directed TVC to create a new Claims Processing Assistance Team (CPAT) to help address the backlog of more than 39,000 pending disability and health benefit claims in Texas.
»  The governor announced bill signing that provides in-state tuition for veterans who are eligible for federal education benefits, and to their spouses and children.
»  Gov. Perry signed House bills (HB) 8 and 3613, which helps slow the pace of increasing property appraisals, provide additional oversight for the appraisal process, and grant a total exemption for the homes of veterans who are disabled due to their service for our country.

News & Announcements

• Wednesday, April 10, 2013 • San Antonio, Texas • Press Release
  Gov. Perry Honors Troops at Center for Terrorism Law 10th Anniversary
  Gov. Rick Perry today highlighted the selfless service and sacrifice of our nation’s military in the fight against terrorism, and committed to ensuring Texas provides the resources and support necessary for our heroes and their families. The governor spoke at the St. Mary’s University School of Law – Center for Terrorism Law 10th Anniversary Celebration.
• Friday, February 01, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Speech
  Gov. Perry Addresses Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Mid-Winter Conference
  Gov. Rick Perry spoke at the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Mid-Winter Conference. The governor’s full remarks are below.
• Wednesday, November 28, 2012 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
  Gov. Perry Applauds Sen. Cornyn’s Efforts to Address National VA Claims Backlog
  Gov. Rick Perry issued a statement regarding U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s amendment to the Defense Authorization bill to address the growing backlog of disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The governor applauds Sen. Cornyn’s efforts to alleviate the backlog and believes that the Texas model of cooperation between the VA and various state agencies will help our veterans get the timely assistance they deserve.
• Wednesday, November 28, 2012 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
  Gov. Perry Celebrates Ceremonial Groundbreaking for The Education Center At The Wall in Washington, D.C.
  Gov. Rick Perry celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Education Center at the Wall, a result of years of dedication and hard work by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. There are 3,417 individuals from Texas whose names are on The Wall in Washington, D.C.
• Sunday, November 11, 2012 • Austin, Texas • Speech
  Gov. Perry Honors Veterans at Central Texas Veterans Celebration
  Gov. Rick Perry today honored our nation’s veterans, who sacrifice so much to protect freedom around the world, at the Central Texas Veterans Celebration.
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