Earlier this month, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues, selected Speaker Pro-Tem Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) as co-chair of the Military & Veterans Affairs Task Force.
“This is truly an honor and a great privilege,” said Orwall, who has consistently worked advocating for veterans and members of the armed forces, has served on Washington’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs since 2011, and was first appointed to the NCSL task force in 2013. “I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as co-chair alongside Alaska Rep. Dan Saddler. I look forward to teaming up as we take on the many challenges facing our veterans and service members across the nation.”
The task force, which was created in 2007, examines issues affecting military-community relations and the health and well-being of veterans.
Among other issues, its members address development near military installations; military-community partnerships to respond to mission change; veteran hiring and procurement preferences; mental health, substance abuse and family relationships facing returning veterans; and benefits for military personnel, veterans and their dependents.
The task force consists of 54 state legislators and legislative staff from 29 states.