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State forms task force to help veterans
vets task force
Lawmakers and agency representatives, involved in passing the Returning Veterans Task Force witness Gov. Nathan Deal sign the bill, included, from left, Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, GDVS Assistant Commissioner Mike Roby of McDonough, Georgia Department of Veterans Commissioner Pete Wheeler of Atlanta, Sen. Lester Jackson, D-Savannah, Rep. Bill Hitchens, R-Rincon, Sen. Ed Harbison, D-Columbus, and GDVS Assistant Commissioner Dan Holtz of Douglasville. - photo by Photo provided.

Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill creating a state task force to investigate how the state can coordinate services to better assist servicemembers discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

The “Returning Veterans Task Force” will be comprised of one representative each from the Departments of Veterans Service, of Community Health, of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, of Labor, of (state) Defense, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and the Technical College System of Georgia. Other agencies may be invited to participate later.

The task force will meet at least quarterly and will make recommendations to relevant agencies regarding improving services. On or before Nov. 1 of each year, the task force will suggest legislation to assist veterans to the House speaker, the lieutenant governor and governor.

The law is as a result of legislation passed in this year's General Assembly.

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