Veterans Commission 02/11/10 (audio)

Air Date:02/11/2010

By Jenifer Jones

The Senate State Affairs Committee passed a bill that changes the composition of the State Veterans’ Commission. Currently, the Governor appoints all six members of the commission. Senate Bill 76 adds a seventh member. It also says there must be four members at large, plus one member each from the South Dakota American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans. The changes will take effect as current commission members’ terms expire. Rick Barge is with the Veterans of Foreign wars. He says it’s important for members of these organizations to have a seat at the table.

“The VFW hasn’t had what we call a powerful voice on that commission for at least ten twelve plus years. And we just don’t thing all the issues that we’re concerned of are heard,” says Barge.

Opponents of the bill say that putting restrictions on who may be appointed to the committee doesn’t allow the governor to hear as many voices as possible. The bill passed and goes to the full senate for more debate

The Committee killed another bill that provided for an interim study of the potential creation of a Department of Veterans Affairs.

Members stations can download audio file here.
 

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