Lawmakers: Alabama 'most military friendly' for a reason

Alabama has been greatly shaped by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Both in terms of the Department of Defense’s investment in the state over its history, as well as in the everyday lives of those who call Alabama home: Those here on mission temporarily and those who put down roots here for the long run.

As the 2023 legislative session comes to a close, the House and Senate have honored servicemembers, veterans, and their families by passing laws that make Alabama a more accommodating place to live for them.

From cutting red tape to extending occupational licenses across state lines to eliminating unnecessary insurance mandates to keeping communities safe from foreign threats to reducing the cost of living even further – this Legislature has continued to make Alabama “the most military-friendly state in the country.”

“It is our standard to make everyday life easier for our military families,” Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) said.

He and Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Enterprise) agreed that was the goal when Gov. Kay Ivey signed their insurance exemption for active duty servicemembers.

“We are thankful to the men and women who serve and will continue to work to show them we appreciate their service,” Carnley said.

A veteran himself, Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) also brought legislation to keep servicemembers working and certified in their profession.

“As a U.S. Army career veteran, I understand the hardships and sacrifices that military dependents face, and they deserve to have their transition to a new posting made as easy and simple as possible,” Paschal said.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who chairs the Alabama Military Stability Commission, wants to see even more ideas like it moved forward.

“Alabama was among the first states in the nation to pass legislation ensuring occupational licensing reciprocity for military dependents, and we have expanded that effort to cover various boards, commissions, trades, and professions each year since,” Ainsworth said.

Before Memorial Day, the House of Representatives paid tribute to servicemembers by passing military-friendly bills. They also recognized those among their ranks with military service:

Rep. Ed Oliver – Army
Rep. Curtis Travis – Navy
Rep. Danny Crawford – Army
Rep. Patrick Sellers – Army
Rep. Thomas Jackson – Navy
Rep. Chad Robertson – Navy
Rep. Rick Rehm – Army
Rep. Randy Wood – Army National Guard
Rep. John Rogers – Air Force
Rep. Kenneth Paschal – Army
Rep. Jerry Starnes – Army National Guard
Rep. Chip Brown – Army
Rep. Neil Rafferty – Marines

“We’ve passed a lot of legislation that gives deference to our military veterans, both active, and those who are retired,” Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) said Tuesday. “One so we can show that we appreciate them. But we also need to show them we want to make their lives while in Alabama as easy as possible.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.