Proud VetAmerican Governments While California has one of the world’s strongest economies and is a desired destination to visit and or live, veterans do not receive their dues in the golden state. California has a veteran population of over two million people. There are states in the union with far less veterans that go above and beyond that of California in efforts to support our nation’s heroes. States like Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina all take care of their veterans way better than the nation’s most populous and prosperous state, California. California has too high of standards for certain benefits such as disability license plates from the DMV, as well as lowered DMV fees for those who have received a Purple Heart. The housing crisis in California is well known, yet when it comes to veterans it is magnified significantly. Texas has many housing incentives to entice veterans to take up residency in the lone star state. California is so expensive that even those coming home from war cannot afford an entry level starter home. Another issue that plagues California is the homeless problem. Many of our Vietnam and desert storm vets along with OIF and OEF vets are living on the streets because our state government has failed them. The young men and women transitioning from military life bring many skills and needed attributes to the workforce and communities at large. The law makers and decision makers of the great state of California need to do their duty and ensure these veterans have a leg up on civilian assimilation and have every available resource at their fingertips in order to continue pursuing their American dream.
According to an article found on smartasset.com, titled “The Best States for Veterans”, California is the second worst state for our nation’s veterans. California has the third highest veteran unemployment rate in the country and ranks the tenth worst in VA facilities per 10,000 veterans. Calvet.ca.gov claims that 1.8 million US veterans reside in California, making up eight percent of all veterans. It is also stated the every year over 30,000 additional vets will call California home upon leaving the military. With all these veterans within the borders of California it is essential that they are taken care of and legislation needs to be in place to ensure they do not fall in to the cracks of bureaucracy and political nonsense. The last state mid-term election did not have any significant initiatives or propositions in place to address the current status of California’s veterans. In fact, the only election of recent times that has even addressed the issue our nations vets has been that of President Trump during his 2016 campaign. But that hasn’t trickled down to California’s political radar. Even though California is well known for its liberal political stance we can all agree that these young men and women put their lives on the line for the very country that owes them a chance to give back to society. No matter what the color the state is. Since this is a state issue, the 2020 election will have little to no effect on the state of veterans living in California. Other states have shown us the way, just as California has demonstrated what not to do. Purple Heart recipients should be able to get specialized license plates and have their DMV fees reduced, for life. The VA home loan is simply not enough and California can afford to wave fees and set aside grants and or land for troops returning home from combat. Texas has special parking spots for veterans. This simple yet honoring gesture goes a long way both to the veteran and the community as a whole. Hunting, fishing, and parks fees should come to a discount for those who served. Besides they were the ones defending this nation to begin with. The homeless issue is no short task but with all the great minds and capitol, California is long overdue in tackling this issue. Just visit any large city in California and there are thousands of vets living in worse conditions than that of their time at war. Let that sink in. California is a worldwide destination that has an economy that rivals any developed nation on the planet. From the beautiful beaches to the enormous redwoods, or the snowcapped mountains of the Sierra Nevadas to world famous Yosemite, California has something for everyone and with all the taxes being funneled into Sacramento it is hard to imagine that the ones who need it most continue to go without. The small things add up and goes along way. Our nations veterans don’t want a hand out, rather an equitable chance from the state with most to give. We all value the California lifestyle, it’s time California values our vets.
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AuthorUndergraduate student generated content. Blog posting and updating done by Kristina Flores Victor, Assistant Professor of Political Science at CSUS Archives
March 2020
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