The Major Richard Star Act.
The resolution highlights the essential need to support disabled veterans, particularly in California, which houses one of the largest veteran populations. The proposed legislation is pivotal in advancing the rights of these veterans, ensuring they can access the full financial resources they earned through service. The bill has already gained significant bipartisan support, signifying a commitment across party lines to protect the rights and benefits of veterans who have sacrificed for their country.
AJR15, introduced by Assembly Member Alanis, urges the United States Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to amend federal law to allow veterans with disabilities to receive both their full Department of Defense retirement pay and Veterans Affairs disability compensation without any offset. Currently, federal law mandates a dollar-for-dollar offset for veterans medically retired with less than 20 years of service, impacting approximately 50,000 veterans in significant ways. These veterans, many of whom suffer from combat-related injuries, face an average monthly loss of $1,200 due to this policy.
While AJR15 aims to rectify an ongoing injustice faced by many veterans, it is not without its challenges. Advocates emphasize the urgent need for Congress to address the current offset policy, which they argue exacerbates the physical, psychological, and financial burdens faced by veterans and their families. The resolution effectively positions the California Legislature alongside numerous veterans organizations that endorse the Major Richard Star Act, thus highlighting the broader implications of veterans' welfare as a national responsibility.