Moolenaar thanked during State of the State address
Thursday, January 19, 2012
LANSING – State Sen. John Moolenaar was recognized by Gov. Rick Snyder for his work helping local veterans and making sure that they receive the support and services they deserve. Snyder mentioned Moolenaar during the governor’s 2012 State of the State address Wednesday night.
“I applaud the governor for understanding the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans,” said Moolenaar, chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. “While I welcome the recognition, I am proud just to have played a role in ensuring that our veterans boards are able to assist our service men and women.”
Last month, Snyder signed Public Act 282 of 2011, Moolenaar’s bill revising the membership criteria for state and county veterans boards, opening up these service opportunities for Michigan’s 723,329 veterans.
“This year my focus is ensuring that veterans know what benefits they can receive, how to get them and also how to obtain a job,” Moolenaar said. The Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs estimates that only 17 percent of veterans in Michigan utilize VA Medical Services. Furthermore, during his speech, Snyder stated 29 percent of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are unemployed.
“The governor is calling for a ‘customer-focused’ approach to state governing, and I embrace that concept,” said Moolenaar, R-Midland. “Just as with the veterans boards, I believe that having a state government that works for you, the customer, in an effective and efficient manner is a cornerstone to good governing.”
Snyder’s address highlighted achievements from 2011 and outlined the agenda for the New Year.
“Governor Snyder acknowledged the great strides we have made in transforming Michigan and re-energizing our state’s economy. While we have many positive achievements over the past year, much remains to be done,” Moolenaar said. “I am enthusiastic to work with the governor to build on our successes and continue the effort to grow our economy, create jobs and give our citizens a responsive, efficient government.”
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