RICHMOND, Va. – House Bill 487, introduced by Del. Dan I. Helmer (D) of the 40th District, was left on the table during today’s Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Subcommittee in favor amending of House Bill 1035, introduced by Elizabeth R. Guzman (D) of the 31st District, to include Virginia National Guard benefits.
Originally, House Bill 1035 sought to create a fee-free Veterans and Disabled Veterans Passport for State Parks. The bearer of the passport would receive entry at all of Virginia’s state parks at no cost. However, Del. Helmer and Del. Guzman noted that their bills were similar and mutually sought to combine their efforts to support the Virginia National Guard.
The amended House Bill 1035, now co-patroned by both Guzman (D) and Helmer (D), amends the Code of Virginia § 10.1-202.2, wherein a unique fee-free passport would be issued for members of the Virginia National Guard in addition to disabled veterans. Other delegates extended patronage for House Bill 1035 as well, Del. G. “John” Avoil (R) (VA-20), Del. Jason S. Ballard (R) (VA-12), Del. Nadarius E. Clark (D) (VA-79), Del. Patrick A. Hope (D) (VA-47), Del. Kathleen Murphy (D) (VA-34), Del. Kenneth R. Plum (D) (VA-36), Del. Sam Rasoul (D) (VA-11), and Del. Irene Shin (D) (VA-86).
“I think this is a really interesting change,” said Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA president. “I really appreciate how legislators noticed a redundancy and sought to streamline the process, it is what I expect of my government—and they delivered.”
The amended House Bill 1035 was unanimously reported out of the sub-committee and was sent to the House of Delegates’ Appropriations Committee, where it will be further scrutinized.
“The hardest step is usually the first,” Czaplicki explained. “In an era of constant financial uncertainty and turmoil, there’s a reasonable amount of hesitation in any discussion about money, but I’m thankful that our elected officials saw the value that the Virginia National Guard provides our communities.”
Lawmakers began in-person meetings on Jan. 13, 2022, and will continue through the end of February.
“We rely heavily on grassroots input from the general population, not just currently serving members of the Virginia National Guard,” explained Czaplicki. “Our Soldiers and Airmen serve our communities, which means that everyone living in Virginia should advocate for favorable policies and laws that provide for and protect our Virginia National Guard.”
Take Action: Members of the VNGA, our Families and the general public are encouraged to educate and inform members of the General Assembly on the impacts of House Bill 1035. Use this link!
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Members of the VNGA are available for interviews or to appear as subject matter experts on issues or policies related to the Virginia National Guard Association. For information regarding these policies, please send an email to the VNGA at contact@vnga.us.
About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association is a recognized non-partisan non-profit 501(c)(19) veterans’ service organization representing over 10,000 Service Members of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired.
Disclaimer: The Virginia National Guard Association, Inc., is a non-Federal entity. Official Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force or the Virginia National Guard endorsement of this organization is not stated or implied.