State Rep. Stokes Pushes Mental Health Bill for Veterans

From the Office of State Representative Greg Stokes: State Representative Greg Stokes (R-58) recently introduced two bills in an effort to honor and support those who have served our country through their military service.

In an effort to reduce the number of veterans suffering from mental illness, Stokes has proposed House Bill 5461 – an act expanding mental health services to veterans and members of the armed forces. If passed, this legislation will provide support for soldiers and veterans by establishing a safety net of services to help with their transition from the military to civilian life.

Stokes has also proposed legislation detailing guidelines by which an honor guard must abide. House Bill 6290, if passed, will amend current statute to mandate that veteran honor guard details consist of not less than five members, two of which shall be riflemen or riflewomen, plus one bugler.

A United States Navy veteran himself, Stokes noted the importance of treating and honoring those who have served our country. “Mental illness has grown among soldiers and veterans in our community and it is our duty to provide the necessary services for them. By introducing House Bill 6290, I am attempting to restore funding that was recently cut in order to honor veterans at their funerals in a manner of which they deserve.”

Representative Stokes was recently appointed to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, as well as the Appropriations and Education Committees.

The 2017 regular legislative session is scheduled to run from January 4th to June 7th.

Photo courtesy of the Office of State Representative Greg Stokes