Veterans

As a veteran and a son of a World War II veteran, Governor Perry
knows the important sacrifices veterans make to preserve our freedoms.
Governor Perry helped recognize the sacrifices of veterans through
special veterans programs in areas such as health care, tuition
assistance, and job benefits.

Helping Soldiers with Tuition

Lt. Governor Perry supported the creation and funding of a tuition
assistance program for state military personnel attending institutions
of higher education. In 2001, Governor Perry signed an expansion of the
program, making the Texas program the largest in the United States.

Protecting the Jobs of Texans Ordered to Duty

As Lt. Governor, Perry supported legislation that prohibits a
private employer from terminating an employee who is a member of the
state military forces because the employee is ordered to authorized
duty. This law entitles an employee to return to the same job held and
prohibits the employee from losing benefits during the absence.

Providing Housing and Burial Benefits to Texas Veterans

Governor Perry supported Proposition 7, passed by voters in November
of 2001, authorizing $500 million in bonds for veterans housing loans
and cemeteries so veterans can be buried closer to home. Over 11,000
loans have been issued and the first new 50,000 space cemetery
completed with another under construction.

Diplomas for Texans Who Left High School to Serve

In 2001, Governor Perry signed legislation that cleared the way for
eligible World War II veterans in Texas to get the high school diploma
they never received because of service to our country.