Veterans caucus lays out agenda

The Arkansas Legislative Veterans Caucus released a bipartisan package of bills on Monday, including measures to create a legislative task force for veterans issues and transfer a correctional facility to a veterans organization.

The group, chaired by Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, and Rep. LeAnne Burch, D-Monticello, stressed a bipartisan approach to veterans issues.

“Our caucus represents every area of the state, from both parties, and is committed to serving those who served us,” Garner, a former Green Beret, said.

Burch, a retired Army brigadier general, added that the group also wants to be approachable for veterans and their families.

Other bills endorsed by the caucus include legislation to extend the deadline for school transfer applications for military families and a bill to allow Purple Heart recipients’ spouses obtain Purple Heart license plates.