November 24, 2024

“Let’s Show Thanks to Our Maryland Veterans” – Ready OpEd in the Baltimore Sun

We just concluded the celebration of Veterans Day as our nation paused to honor the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States are traits that help define the greatness of America. While it’s good that there is a special day, we should honor and celebrate veterans all year long. Beyond the annual Veterans Day observance, it’s important to consider how we can take real steps to support and help veterans, particularly those returning from intense, difficult deployments.

Maryland has long been home to a large veteran population, and, as a state legislator, one of my top priorities is giving veterans the resources and services they need. In addition to making some progress towards exempting military retirement pay from state tax ($12,500 for those under age 55 and up to $20,000 for those 55 and above), we have changed the state’s professional licensing laws so that military members and their spouses can more quickly start working in their career fields when moving to Maryland from other states – or when returning here after leaving active duty. In addition, Maryland state jobs have a special veterans recruitment focus to provide a direct pathway for veterans to find employment that utilizes their extensive, transferable skills after their service has concluded

We also know that, sadly, a number of veterans often face unique physical and mental health challenges following their service. As a result, we have increased funding for veteran-specific health services and created the Veterans Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force which is focused on improving access to care and preventing veteran suicides. We’ve seen some progress since this task force was created in 2022, but of course there is still more work to do.

Another very positive development that has taken place is the expansion of the Maryland Veterans Treatment Court to include our entire region. On November 12th, the District Court in Baltimore launched the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court, which will serve several jurisdictions including Carroll County. Veterans’ Treatment courts (VTCs) provide services to those who served in the military and suffer from conditions such as PTSD, other mental health issues, or struggle with substance abuse.

VTCs allow law enforcement and the judicial branch to work with at-risk veterans who need to obtain treatment or services and stabilize their lives. The court will also help them access VA benefits or access local resources where the veteran does not qualify for VA benefits. I want to thank Carroll County States’ Attorney Haven Shoemaker and Carroll County Sheriff Jim Dewees for playing crucial roles in meeting with advocates to hear their vision for this venue and working with the court system to make it happen.

Of course, there are many veterans that are leading in ways big and small in our community and we are so thankful for them – we don’t want to overshadow that as we discuss the challenges that veterans face. However, for those that need some help or assistance, it’s really the least we can do for all the sacrifices that they and their families have made.

To all those who have served or are currently serving in our Armed Forces, we do sincerely thank you for putting your life on the line. I know I speak for all our local elected officials when I say, please let us know whenever there’s a concern or an idea for improving things for veterans or our community at large. Lastly, I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and God bless America.

Senator Justin Ready

The writer is a State Senator representing District 5

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