Delegate's Military Friendly Legislation Approved By Governor

Gov. Bob McDonnell packed Fort Lee ballroom with legislators, activy duty military men and women and their families last night to announce the passage of numerous bills, including three from Del. Richard Anderson.

All of the bills will have a positive impact for those in the military and veterans.

Both Anderson and the governor made it a goal to make Virginia more of a military friendly state. Anderson, R-Woodbridge, said his three bills help him accomplish that goal. Anderson is retired from the Pentagon as a full colonel, with 30 years of service. His wife, Ruth, retired as a lieutenant colonel, with 21 years of service in the Air Force Nurse Corps. Anderson is also chairman of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus and deputy house majority whip.

"We now want to support those who have chosen to wear the uniform of our country and who now live in  communities from one end of Virginia to the other," he said.

Anderson's House Bill 1861 waives the one-year residency requirement for veterans to qualify for in-state tuition prices to state schools.  He said he supported the bill on the behalf of the Joint Leadership Council of Veteran Service Organizations, which represents 823,000 veterans and 327,000 active-duty military members and their families. 

"This group has a world-class work ethic and has been shaped by the most ethical institution in the country.  Why wouldn’t we want to welcome veterans and their families into our communities, schools, and work places?" he said.

Anderson's House Bill 1858 provides more time for military personnel and those overseas to file absentee ballots.

The third bill, House Bill 2041, exempts the Virginia Commission on Military and National Security Facilities from certain provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act because it deals with sensitive discussions with the Department of Defense and military organizations on the potential move of military units and missions into Virginia, Anderson said.

"I was pleased to stand beside a governor who wore a military uniform for two decades and watch him sign legislation that honors our nation’s warriors," Anderson said.