Ainsworth: Alabama boosting commitment to military

Alabama continues to affirm its position as one of the most military-friendly states in the U.S. as new bills are signed into law, according to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. The package includes legislation that bolsters support for active military members, veterans, and their families.

“Military service is a deep commitment for those who sign the enlistment papers and for the spouses and children who accompany them from duty station to duty station, so making their transition to Alabama easier is the least we can do for the men and women who serve our nation,” Ainsworth said.

“Of all my responsibilities as lieutenant governor, working to ease the lives of our nation’s soldiers, veterans, and the families that love them is the one that brings me the most personal satisfaction.”

Ainsworth highlighted the importance of the federal military’s presence in Alabama – not only as a boon to the economy – but also as a source of pride for the state.

The Alabama Military Stability Commission, chaired by Ainsworth, aims to protect and expand federal military bases and Department of Defense infrastructure in the state. In addition to several elected officials and cabinet members, the commission also includes regional appointees from areas across the state with a heavy defense concentration.

“This legislative package will help ensure that Alabama remains a welcoming home for the brave men and women who serve our country, and for those who have made the selfless decision to make the ultimate sacrifice,” Ainsworth said.

The legislation includes:

House Bill 44 by Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) expands the composition of the Military Stability Commission to include representatives from Fort Moore, which was previously known as Fort Benning. A study conducted by the Military Stability Commission reported that Fort Moore, in Columbus, Ga., provides 4,346 jobs in Russell and Lee counties with a payroll of $151 million and an economic impact of $472 million.
Senate Bill 17 by Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison) provides that all state references to the United States Armed Forces should include the United States Space Force.
Senate Bill 37 by Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) extends professional license reciprocity to spouses of Department of Defense contractors.
Senate Bill 46 by Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact allowing teachers licensed in compact member states to teach in Alabama as long as their license requirements meet or exceed Alabama’s requirements.
Senate Bill 67 by Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) provides flexibility for educational tuition reimbursement for active members of the Alabama National Guard.
House Bill 246 by Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) creates a compact allowing cosmetologists who are licensed to practice in participating states to also practice within Alabama.
House Bill 129 by Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) outlines the proper and respectful final disposition of unclaimed cremated remains of military veterans in a state or national cemetery.
House Bill 210 by Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) allows active military members who have motor vehicles registered in Alabama but who are required to reside in another state by virtue of their military assignment to satisfy their mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance requirement by purchasing liability coverage in the state where they are stationed on active duty.

“Alabama is working hard every day to meet the many needs of active service members, military families, and veterans who remain here once their service ends,” Ainsworth said.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270