Assemblywoman Murphy on Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Testimony During Budget Hearing

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) testified before the Budget Committee today regarding various programs and initiatives involving military members and veterans in our state.

Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Burlington) took the lead during discussions with Interim Adjutant General and Commissioner of DMAVA, Colonel Lisa Hou. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the Assemblywoman issued the following statement:

“As the proud daughter of a United States veteran, I cannot thank our current and former military members enough for their service. Not only do our soldiers keep us safe while serving abroad, but they have proven invaluable in defending our democracy and furthering efforts to combat COVID-19 right here in New Jersey over the past year.

          “I want to thank Colonel Hou for testifying before our committee today to provide important information regarding the work of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in New Jersey. It was important for us to learn about both current and future programs and initiatives on behalf of the more than 400,000 veterans and military members who call our state home.

          “I am pleased to hear about the steps being taken to improve the safety and quality of life in our veterans’ homes in order to prevent the tragic loss of life we saw in these facilities during the ongoing pandemic from happening again in the future. I am also encouraged to hear that policies are being put into place to help address discrimination and bias in the military, and prevent potential acts of extremism and terrorism.

“This past year has taught us many lessons that we must learn from as we move forward. Just as our military members have supported this state and this country, we must find ways to show our support for them as well.

“We will take the helpful information provided today into account as our committee works towards creating a fair and balanced budget on behalf of New Jersey residents.”