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Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Support Veterans Harmed by Discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy
09/19/2022
[ Article originally appeared in www.gov.ca.gov ]
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed legislation to assist LGBTQ veterans discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) in updating their records and accessing education, health, burial and other benefits available to honorably discharged service members. Though LGBTQ service members could serve openly following the repeal of DADT, veterans discharged less than honorably under the policy face a burdensome process that can require legal counsel and other assistance to obtain an upgrade to their discharge classification. AB 325 by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) establishes the Veteran’s Military Discharge Upgrade Grant program to help fund service providers that will educate veterans about the discharge upgrade process and assist eligible veterans to apply. Watch a video message from Governor Newsom on AB 325. “While the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ended a shameful injustice against LGBTQ Americans serving in our armed forces, its legacy continues to burden the women and men unfairly ousted under the discriminatory policy,” said Governor Newsom. “With this legislation, the state will help these heroes navigate the process to correct the record and access important benefits they deserve and have earned many times over. I thank Assemblymember Irwin for advancing this measure to do right by our veterans and further California’s commitment to equality.”
Governor Newsom signs AB 325 by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin A full list of measures Governor Newsom signed to support veterans can be found here:
Previously, the Governor signed:
For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. SOURCE: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/09/17/governor-newsom-signs-legislation-to-support-veterans-harmed-by-discriminatory-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy/Back To News |
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