Governor Ivey Signs Bills to Enhance Benefits for Alabama Military Members, Veterans and Their Families

Governor Ivey Signs Bills to Enhance Benefits for Alabama Military Members, Veterans and Their Families

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has signed into law legislation passed this session to expand benefits for Alabama Guard personnel, veterans and their families. These new laws will improve education and workforce training assistance for Guardsmen, offer temporary teaching certification for veterans and expand employment opportunities for military and veteran spouses.

“Alabamians are among the most patriotic Americans and their dedication to protect our country and safeguard our freedom continually deserves our praise and support,” said Governor Ivey.  “I was pleased to sign into law this session legislation addressing military education and workforce training benefits and promoting greater employment opportunities for military spouses. These measures and others I have signed further demonstrate our gratitude to our military and their families for their service as well as leveraging their unique skills in growing Alabama’s workforce.”

Legislation signed by Governor Ivey to benefit military members and veterans include:

Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (HB233)
Expands ANGEAP tuition assistance for Alabama Guardsmen to include workforce development training in addition to traditional degree programs. Furthermore, it ensures more timely delivery of education assistance funds to students’ accounts.

Expanding Employment Opportunities for Military Families (HB307)

Enhances state government hiring and promotion preferences for military spouses and authorizes local government and private sector employers to give preferences to veterans and the spouses of veterans and active-duty service members in their hiring processes.

Accepting Military Training for EMS Licensure (HB182)
Requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to accept an applicant’s education, training and experience gained during U.S. military service as credit toward meeting state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) license requirements.

Alabama National Guard State Income Tax Exemption (HB341)
Exempts Alabama National Guard personnel from paying state income tax on the first $5,000 of income received for inactive duty training, beginning January 1, 2027. 

Veterans Temporary Teaching Certificate (SB149)
Authorizes the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who would otherwise need at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify.  This will address teacher shortages while affording veterans the opportunity to serve Alabama students in the classroom.

Removing Home Loan Barrier for Totally Disabled Veterans (HB77)
Allows a 100-percent-disabled veteran to receive a tentative property exemption certificate at the beginning of their mortgage application process, making it easier for them to qualify for a home loan and obtain a home of their own.

Exempting Totally Disabled Veterans from Annual Homestead Exemption Verification (HB155)
Removes the requirement for an annual verification of homestead exemptions for permanent and totally disabled veterans who have already qualified.

Enhancing Student Access to Military Career Pathways (SB158)

Requires Alabama high schools to offer their students greater access to military career pathways through annual voluntary Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) testing, administered by military recruiters.

Updating Alabama Military Awards (HB323)

Modernizes Alabama’s military awards protocol while ensuring that past service is appropriately recognized. It clarifies award criteria, reinforces the significance of honors such as the Governor’s Cross and Distinguished Service Medal, and expands recognition to reflect the full scope of service. It also allows for certain awards to be granted retroactively.

Governor Ivey believes Alabama’s military, veterans and their families are not only an invaluable asset to the state, but they also help build a stronger future for all.

A photo of Governor Ivey signing HB155 is attached.

EANGUS presents 2021 Heritage Award to USAA

Aug 23, 2021 | Uncategorized

EANGUS Presents 2021 Heritage Award to USAA and the Minuteman Award to CMSgt (Retired) Richard Smith

 

 

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) presented the prestigious Heritage Award to USAA during the EANGUS 50th Anniversary Conference, held August 8-11, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Heritage Award is presented annually to recognize a corporate partner who has provided outstanding and exceptional service to EANGUS.  The award was accepted by Vice-Admiral (Retired) John Bird, USAA’s Senior Vice President of Military Affairs and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Richard ‘Dick’ Smith, USAA National Guard Program Director.

The Heritage Award was presented by EANGUS President, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Karen Craig and We Care for America Foundation Chairman, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) John Harris, to recognize USAA’s continued partnership with EANGUS and significant contributions to the We Care for America Foundation over the last 18 months. In addition to supporting EANGUS events and activities, USAA continues to provide funding for the EANGUS Scholarship Program as well as funding a $1,000 scholarship for each of the 55 State Associations.  Furthermore, USAA was also recognized for its philanthropic contributions to military aid societies in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their contribution of over $30 million dollars to 24 military aid societies and organizations included a total of over $3.8 million dollars designated for the EANGUS We Care for America Foundation. The funding provided by USAA and the USAA Foundation over the last 18 months allowed the We Care for America Foundation to distribute over $875,000 in emergency grants to assist thousands of current, former, and retired National Guard members (Officer and Enlisted) and their families who were impacted financially by the pandemic. This significant contribution also made it possible for the We Care for America Foundation to establish a no-interest loan program which will be an emergency financial resource that National Guard members can count on into the future. USAA has been an Affinity Partner with EANGUS since 1997 and continues to go above and beyond to ensure National Guard members and their families have the opportunities and resources needed.  In addition to the Heritage Award, Vice-Admiral (Retired) Bird and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Smith were also presented with a framed, limited edition “Enlisted Guardians” print to recognize USAA’s dedication to excellence, significant contributions to EANGUS and the We Care for America Foundation, and the outstanding support provided to National Guard members and their families across the United States.

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Dick Smith was also recognized individually during the EANGUS All States Banquet on August 11, 2021, receiving the prestigious Minuteman Award for his distinguished service and support to EANGUS over the last 20 years. Chief Smith was recognized for his passion and advocacy on behalf of enlisted National Guard members and his work to ensure they have the benefits, programs, and funding needed to be successful. Chief Smith worked closely with EANGUS and State Association leadership to facilitate USAA’s support of the scholarship program and other events and activities throughout the year.  In addition to his long-standing advocacy and support for EANGUS, in the past year, Chief Smith has gone above and beyond, seeking support and working with the USAA Foundation and USAA to ensure that the We Care for America Foundation was included in USAA’s donation to military aid societies in order to establish a no-interest loan program and provide assistance to military members and their families impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

EANGUS is proud to recognize USAA, the USAA Foundation, and Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Richard Smith for their extraordinary contributions, advocacy, dedication, and passion for National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and their families.  Congratulations and thank you!