| Members Present: Sen. Todd D. Weiler, Chair Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion Steven Allen Tim M. Cosgrove Tage Flint Ross Ford Jared A. Haines Gary Harter Michael Isom Jean Philippe Martial Frank Maughan Robert Pagnani Terry D. Schow |
Members Absent: Rep. Jefferson S. Burton, Chair Sen. Karen Mayne Rep. Val L. Peterson Nancy Espinosa Dennis Howland Brent Kelsey MG Michael J. Turley Staff Present: Lisa Sorensen, Policy Analyst Esther D. Chelsea-McCarty, Associate General Counsel Kurt P. Gasser, Managing Associate General Counsel Tracey Fredman, Administrative Assistant |
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Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.
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| 1.Committee Business |
| Chair Weiler called the meeting to order at 3:13 p.m. |
| 2.United States Air Force Sustainment Center Update |
| Tage Flint introduced Lt. General Stacey Hawkins. |
| Lt. General Stacey Hawkins, Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, provided an update of activities and accomplishments of the United States Air Force Sustainment Center, which provides high-level maintenance on Air Force aircraft. |
| 3.Draft Legislation "Veteran Dependent Tuition Amendments" |
| 3a - 2023 General Session draft legislation, "Veteran Dependent Tuition Amendments" v2 |
| Representative Calvin Musselman discussed background and provisions of 2023 General Session draft legislation, "Veteran Dependent Tuition Amendments," which would create a tuition waiver program for dependents of disabled veterans who enroll at a state institution of higher education. |
| Committee discussion followed. |
| Emmett O'Meara, Acting Director, Salt Lake City VA Regional Office, responded to questions from the commission regarding disabilities and current veterans benefits. |
| No action was taken on this agenda item. |
| 4.PACT Act for Veterans |
| Emmett O'Meara, Acting Director, Salt Lake City VA Regional Office, provided an update on the implementation of the PACT Act, which is a new federal law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. |
| Kimberly Albers, Assistant Director, Salt Lake City VA Regional Office, discussed upcoming opportunities for veterans to learn more about benefits available through the PACT Act. |
| Chair Weiler turned gavel to Tim Cosgrove |
| 5.Veteran Access to Services and Benefits |
| Rep. Bennion commented on the issue of access to services and benefits for veterans, which she will be exploring with the Veterans Advisory Council. |
| No committee discussion or action was considered on this agenda item. |
| 6.Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs Update |
| 6a - Update, Infographic, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs |
| Gary Harter, Executive Director, Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, reviewed the activities and accomplishments of the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. |
| 7.Other Items/Adjourn |
| Acting Chair Cosgrove recognized Esther Chelsea-McCarty's service to the Legislature as she prepares to retire at the end of the year. |
| In the absence of a quorum, Acting Chair Cosgrove adjourned the meeting at 4:53 p.m. |