Michigan Senate champions key legislation, budget to promote safety and health of veterans in 2023
Observed annually on November 11, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The origin of Veterans Day began with Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, Armistice Day was rechristened as Veterans Day.
Given their vast contributions to our history — as well as displays of courage in protecting our country — veterans play an important role in society. However, several pressing issues continue to disproportionately impact veterans including lack of access to mental health resources, employment opportunities and adequate housing. In fact, according to the Homeless Management Information System, approximately 2,342 veterans experienced homelessness in Michigan in 2022. To further gain a geographical perspective: 18% live in Wayne County, 7% in Kent County, 7% in Calhoun County, 5% in Washtenaw County and 4.6% in Ingham County.
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), approximately 10% of Michigan’s veterans are Black — yet they make up 41% of homeless veterans. Additionally, 89% of veterans are men and 10% are women. The statistics signify that 1% of homeless veterans are non-binary, questioning or transgender. However, a failure to disclose sexual orientation or gender identity status due to social stressors may not result in an accurate number.
To address these disparities, Senate Democrats and other lawmakers put forth various legislation — as well as a well-rounded, bipartisan budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year, which took effect on October 1. Key veteran-related legislation that has been passed or signed into law include the following:
- Senate Bills 176 and 330 were signed into law in October 2023. These pieces of legislation will amend the General Property Tax Act to require a property tax exemption on real property used and owned as a homestead by a disabled veteran — or a veteran’s surviving spouse — to remain in effect, until rescinded by the individual granted the exemption or denied by the assessor.
- Senate Bill 389 was passed by the Senate on October 18. This legislation would extend the dormancy period on unclaimed property before it is considered abandoned to five years for active-duty military personnel and those enlisted in the Reserve — reducing the likelihood of military members’ properties going unclaimed and escheating to the state.
- House Bill 4199 was signed into law in May 2023. This legislation expands eligibility for tuition assistance to spouses and dependents of National Guard members and increases the funding cap from $10 million to $15 million — providing increased avenues for military family members to obtain a college degree without financial burden.
- House Bill 4850 passed on November 8, 2023. This legislation will allow certain military personnel to be exempted from jury service and extend the exemption to spouses of military members.
- House Bill 4555 was signed into law in June 2023, on the 75th anniversary of women being allowed to serve as equal members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The legislation establishes June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day — honoring Michigan’s estimated 44,000 living women veterans.
The budget includes $2 million in grant funding for organizations that will provide essential services and care for veterans experiencing homelessness in Michigan. Along with the grant funding, the budget also includes resources for infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township — positioning one of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the nation for future fighter missions.
“Helping to secure funding for our military service men and women is such an honor,” said Sen. Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans and State Police. “After working across the aisle and hearing from the veteran population, our Legislature knows how much our veterans need our support — they are often faced with severe trauma and various obstacles. This budget shows them we acknowledge their efforts well after dutifully serving this country.”
In August 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (pictured left) and Sen. Kevin Hertel (pictured right) visited veterans at the Chesterfield Township Michigan Veteran Homes. This is a newly built facility on the site of the old barracks for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base and one of the only veterans’ homes in the Metro Detroit area.
Additionally, Sen. Hertel secured significant funding for veteran suicide prevention and Veterans Affairs claims assistance to ensure military members can easily access much-needed benefits.
In July 2023, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt — Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services — and Sen. Kevin Hertel joined Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), fellow legislators and veteran-serving organizations for a roundtable discussion on veteran and military suicide prevention.
In only a year, our Majority for the People has secured several meaningful wins for our military community. What will always be known within the halls of leadership in Lansing and across the state of Michigan: veterans are deserving of security and the opportunity to thrive.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.