Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Support Veterans and Their Families

Press Release

Governor also signs bill to save students money on college textbooks

Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law several measures that will support veterans and their families.

"During this time of war, it's important to remember the sacrifice that so many of our service members and their families are making right now," said Governor Gregoire. "These measures help to fulfill our obligation to our service members, veterans and their families."

The bills signed today by Governor Gregoire will:

* Clarify the preference given to veterans in the application for public employment;
* Require public colleges and universities to waive all tuition and fees for the children and spouses of military veterans or National Guard members who are killed or totally disabled, missing in action or prisoners of war; and
* Increase opportunities for war veterans while benefiting our environment and natural resources.

Governor Gregoire also this year signed into law several measures that support soldiers and their families. The bills make disorderly conduct within 500 feet of a funeral or memorial service a misdemeanor, create a public list of veteran-owned businesses in Washington and a sticker or decal to help identify those businesses for consumers, create a uniformed service shared leave pool and amend the Washington Law Against Discrimination to prohibit discrimination based on veteran or military status.

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