The SAHCC recently presented statements for the following bills: HB139, HB33, and HB739. The statements were in support legislation that will continue to assist the participation, education, and training of Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce in Texas and ease the burden of transition to civilian life for military members and their families, including but not limited to licensing and professional certifications.

HB 139

For over 91 years, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) has been San Antonio’s leading advocate for Hispanic businesses and Hispanics in business. We pride ourselves on five pillars of success: small business, economic development, international trade, education, and leadership. On behalf of the Hispanic Chamber’s more than 900 members, I write to you today to express our support for HB 139, which will help veterans and military spouses seek meaningful careers in Texas. One of our top fifteen legislative priorities this legislative session is to support legislation that will continue to assist the participation, education, and training of Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce in Texas and ease the burden of transition to civilian life for military members and their families, including but not limited to licensing and professional certifications.

State occupational licensing regulations present an obstacle to employment for veterans and military spouses. Transferring an occupational license or certification is complex and lengthy process forcing them to remain out of the workforce for an extended period, causing a significant loss of income for military families. HB 139 will help eliminate some the regulations, streamlining the licensing and certification process for veterans and military spouses. Helping veterans and military spouses secure positions in their chosen career field more quickly not only benefits military families but businesses as well.

HB 139 will help make it easier for veterans and military spouses to continue their careers here in Texas. Advocating for our military service members, spouses and their families will continue to be one of our top priorities this legislative session because San Antonio is “Military City USA”.

HB 33

For over 91 years, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) has been San Antonio’s leading advocate for Hispanic businesses and Hispanics in business. We pride ourselves on five pillars of success: small business, economic development, international trade, education, and leadership. On behalf of the Hispanic Chamber’s more than 900 members, I write to you today to express our support for HB 33, which will help veterans identify which of their skills or certifications may be eligible for post-secondary credit.

One of our top fifteen legislative priorities this legislative session is to support legislation that will continue to assist the participation, education, and training of Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce in Texas and ease the burden of transition to civilian life for military members and their families, including but not limited to licensing and professional certifications. HB 33 will help veterans save money and time by reducing redundancies. Service members have received training in various fields such as engineering, medicine and cybersecurity. HB 33 will let veterans use skills they already have and put these skills towards degrees or certificates. Most importantly, it will help create consistent frameworks and requirements for providing post-secondary credit for veterans based on military experience, education and training.

HB 33 will be a great first step to informing veterans of available credit for military experience, education and training. Advocating for our veterans will continue to be one of our top priorities this legislative session because San Antonio is “Military City USA”.

HB 739

For over 91 years, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) has been San Antonio’s leading advocate for Hispanic businesses and Hispanics in business. We pride ourselves on five pillars of success: small business, economic development, international trade, education, and leadership. On behalf of the Hispanic Chamber’s more than 900 members, I write to you today to express our support for HB 739, which will help veterans seek a meaningful career in the growing energy sector.

One of our top fifteen legislative priorities this legislative session is to support legislation that will continue to assist the participation, education, and training of Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce in Texas and ease the burden of transition to civilian life for military members and their families, including but not limited to licensing and professional certifications. Veterans military experience, education and training prepares them for a career in the energy sector of our economy. The energy sector provides a unique opportunity to veterans to leverage their skills they acquired in service and contribute to growing sector of the economy.

HB 739 provides the state with another great opportunity to support and empower veterans and transition service members. Advocating for our veterans will continue to be one of our top priorities this legislative session because San Antonio is “Military City USA”.