AUSTIN, Texas — The Governor’s Commission on Supporting the Military has released a 2024 report outlining policy changes and legislative actions aimed at improving the quality of life for Texas’ military communities.
The report, released Dec. 16, 2024, includes recommendations to improve education, health care, workforce development and infrastructure for Texas’ military community, according to the governor’s office. “Texas proudly supports our military families and communities,” said Governor Abbott. He noted that more than 1.7 million veterans and active duty military personnel reside in Texas, including members of the Reserves and National Guard. Military personnel contribute more than $151 billion to the state’s economy, and the report aims to support the mission of 15 military installations and the U.S. Army Futures Command in Texas.
Key recommendations from the commission include reducing the impact of lost property tax revenue through the Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans Housing, adopting a concurrent jurisdiction policy for juvenile adjudication, and securing funding for the Military Children’s Education Coalition; This includes granting temporary work permits for military spouses. The report also calls for increased employment support for military spouses, greater integration of Texas education providers with the military’s skills requirements, full funding of the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Program, and access to military installations. It suggests protection from foreign enemy owners of Texas property near military locations. .
The Governor’s Commission to Support the Military was established in September 2018 and is comprised of up to 22 members, including Texas veterans, community leaders, and business leaders.
