Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/662887
18 OUR YUCAIPA | APRIL 2016 By Senator Mike Morrell This legislative session, I am proud to be authoring three bills to help ease veterans' transition into the civilian workforce, protect memorial sites, and increase access to outdoor recreation. Our veterans and their families have devoted their lives to our country. While we can never fully thank them for their sacrifices, we can take steps to make their move back home a little easier. In pursuing this goal, Senate Bill 1155 removes a barrier for veterans seeking work in California and encourages immediate entrance into the civilian workforce by waiving the application and initial license fees paid to the state in order to receive an occupational license. This policy shift will help veterans as they apply for jobs. It can also be a tool in alleviating the crisis of veteran homelessness. Similar legislation has recently been enacted in Wisconsin, Florida, and Texas. As they answered the call to defend our nation, veterans have also given up countless hours of time with family and loved ones. For those veterans who enjoy fishing and hunting in California, there should be fewer barriers in place to accessing these recreational sports, especially since they are often bonding activities for families. To this end, Senate Bill 1081 enables all honorably discharged veterans to purchase state sport fishing licenses and hunting licenses for a flat fee of $5 as well provide fishing report cards and hunting tags at a 50 percent discount. Disabled veterans and recovering service members would be eligible to receive these services free of charge. Finally, to honor the memories of those who have served in the Armed Forces, Senate Bill 1080 holds individuals who vandalize the gravesites or memorials of veterans or first responders to greater accountability for their crimes. This bill would enhance legal penalties for actions such as defacing or stealing items left in memory of loved ones who served in the military including, among many things, honorary American flags and grave markers. All three bills will be set for committee hearings this spring. To follow their progress, you can visit my website at senate.ca.gov/ Morrell, "like" me on Facebook at facebook.com/MikeMorrellGOP, or follow me on Twitter @MikeMorrellGOP. Senator Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, represents the 23rd District in the State Senate which includes portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. Legislation Will Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life & Honor the Memories of Fallen Service Members