SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Juan Alanis proudly announced the passing of Assembly Joint Resolution 15 (AJR 15), which calls on Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act to support disabled veterans across the country. The vote was unanimous in both houses of the legislature.
“Too many of our veterans carried the burden of defending freedom, only to come home with injuries that forced them to retire early,” said Assemblymember Alanis. “The current policy unjustly diminishes retirement pay and disability compensation for disabled veterans, imposing financial hardships that fail to reflect the full scope of their sacrifices, and this is inexcusable.”
Under current federal law, veterans who are medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service are not allowed to receive both their whole Department of Defense retirement pay and their full Veterans Affairs disability compensation. Instead, their retirement pay is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount of disability compensation they receive. This policy impacts about 50,000 disabled veterans, many of whom were injured in combat, costing them an average of $1,200 per month.
The Major Richard Star Act has received bipartisan support in Congress, and AJR 15 adds California’s voice to the growing call for action. With one of the largest veteran populations in the country, California would see a meaningful impact if this federal legislation is passed.
“By urging Congress to act, we are standing up for fairness, respect, and justice for those who served our nation,” added Alanis.
Assemblymember Alanis has made it a priority to fight for those who served. He has co-authored five bills in support of veterans this year, AB 81, AB 88, SB 1, SB 55, and SB 56. AJR 15 is another step in his ongoing commitment to ensure California’s veterans receive the support they deserve. By championing AJR 15, Alanis is sending a clear message: California stands with its veterans, and for ensuring they get all the benefits and support they were promised for serving our nation.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.
