Gov. Greg Abbott wants to ease the burden of the more than 2-million veterans living in Texas. Abbott was keynote speaker at the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Association in Austin on Friday.
During his speech, Abbott said veterans deserve so much more than just gratitude.
In an effort to spur job opportunities for veterans, the governor promised to extend benefits for companies that hire veterans when the legislature meets again in 2019.
“My plan offers property tax exemptions for businesses that hire our great veterans,” Abbott said.
Abbott said he also wanted to end veteran homelessness throughout Texas by providing more money for businesses that create housing for those who served in the military.
“I am calling for commercial property tax exemptions for businesses that provide housing for veterans at a reduced cost,” Abbott said.
Abbott added he will also work with Congress to expand health care options that enable veterans to use their benefits to pay for any private doctor they choose.
Abbott was one of several state leaders to address this year’s Texas VFW Mid-Annual Conference, which highlights the needs and issues veterans face everyday in the Lone Star State.
Ryan Poppe can be reached at rpoppe@tpr.org or on Twitter @RyanPoppe1
