Yesterday with unanimous bipartisan support, the Senate passed a Veterans omnibus bill that includes a handful of beneficial policies for veterans, including the streamlining of eligibility checks for services, additional support for County Veteran Service Officers, and education benefits for surviving spouses of service members.

Of note, included in the bill is bipartisan language that provides continued education benefits to surviving spouses of veterans, regardless if they remarry or not. Additional language also designates that a memorial plaque commemorating Gold Star and Blue Star families will be placed on Capitol grounds.

“I’m so glad that we could come together in a bipartisan manner to offer support to veterans throughout our state in a meaningful way,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater). “This bill does the important work of funding things like County Veterans Service Officers, Camp Bliss, education benefits, and so many other services that veterans and their families rely on. Our veterans are the ones who have bravely and selflessly stepped up to serve our state and country, and they deserve legislation that addresses their needs and elevates their priorities.”