The Governor’s Committee to Support the Military has unveiled its 2024 report, outlining strategic recommendations to improve the quality of life, education, workforce opportunities, and infrastructure for Texas’ military community.
These policy suggestions aim to enhance the state’s support for its 1.7 million veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members, and their families while protecting the operational integrity of Texas’ 15 military installations and the U.S. Army Futures Command.
Governor Greg Abbott commended the committee’s efforts, emphasizing the military’s significant $151 billion annual contribution to the state’s economy, per a December 16 press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, Greg Abbott.
One key recommendation focuses on mitigating the financial impact of property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
Communities disproportionately affected by this tax policy may face resource shortages, which could undermine the state’s competitiveness in securing future military missions or Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) opportunities. Proposed solutions include exploring options to offset lost revenues while ensuring the sustainability and attractiveness of Texas military installations and their surrounding areas.
The report also addresses jurisdictional policies for juvenile crimes on military installations.
Current processes can limit access to state resources for resolving juvenile cases. The committee advocates for adopting concurrent jurisdiction policies, which would allow federal authorities to transfer specific cases to state courts on a case-by-case basis. This approach could result in more appropriate adjudications for juveniles, aligning with the state’s commitment to fostering better outcomes for its military families.
Another recommendation focuses on education and workforce development.
The committee urges continued funding for the Military Child Education Coalition, maintaining its current $500,000 biennial allocation. Additionally, it calls for enhanced collaboration between Texas educational institutions and military installations to align curricula with the growing demand for advanced manufacturing and technology skills. These initiatives aim to better integrate military families into the state’s education and job markets, ensuring their long-term success.
The report highlights the need to support military spouses through temporary licensure policies and targeted employment initiatives.
The state can address delays that hinder professional opportunities by streamlining the licensing process for spouses awaiting credential transfers. The committee also recommends promoting military spouse hiring at the state level, encouraging agencies to consider these candidates when filling vacant positions to strengthen family stability within military communities.
To safeguard Texas’ military infrastructure, the report prioritizes fully funding the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program at $75 million.
This funding would bolster installations and their surrounding communities, mitigating potential risks from future BRAC actions. Moreover, the committee underscores the importance of addressing encroachment threats to training areas and aviation routes, ensuring military readiness and operational effectiveness remain uncompromised.
Finally, the committee suggests countering foreign adversary ownership of Texas land near military installations.
Texas can better protect its military assets and missions from foreign interference by exploring new legislation or amendments to existing laws. This measure reflects the state’s commitment to national security and its recognition of the critical role military installations play in the local and national economy.
Governor Abbott expressed confidence that these recommendations would guide legislative actions in the upcoming session, enhancing support for Texas’ military community and ensuring the state remains a premier location for military operations and families.