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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation Creating Purple Heart Memorial

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced he has signed AB 2171 by Assemblymember Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) which begins the process towards the construction of the Purple Heart Memorial in State Capitol Park.

"Building this memorial will forever remind us of the sacrifices made by California's bravest men and women," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "They fought for our freedoms, kept America safe and we are forever thankful for their unwavering strength and courage."

The Governor declared <http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/10366> last August "Purple Heart Month" to recognize the experiences and sacrifices of the courageous men and women who have received a Purple Heart.

In addition to today's action, the Governor has shown a strong commitment to California's military personnel and veterans. Throughout his administration, the Governor has:

* Authorized the creation of the California Gold Star Family License Plate by signing SB 1455 by Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto). This legislation paves the way for families who have lost loved ones in current and prior wars to obtain license plates honoring the sacrifices their families have endured.

* Signed SB 1572 and SB 1680 by Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad). SB 1572 places The Veterans Bond Act of 2008 on the November Ballot and asks voters to approve $900 million in Veterans General Obligation Bonds, which will allow the California Department of Veterans Affairs to fund the purchase of homes and farms for veterans under the CalVet Home Loan Program. The bond act would have no impact on the state's General Fund because veterans repay the bond costs through low-interest mortgages. SB 1680 allows California Community Colleges and the California State University, and encourages the University of California, to coordinate services for students who are veterans or members of the military by designating Military and Veterans Offices to provide specified services.

* Proposed expanding employment opportunities veterans. As part of his State of the State proposals the Governor introduced legislation that will give veterans of all military branches greater access to civil service jobs.

* Proposed an initiative to open employment avenues for veterans which allows California's Department of Veterans Affairs, Employment Development Department and Labor and Workforce Development Agency partnered with several service organizations to provide regional job and resource fairs to match veterans with employers known as "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet." There have been 18 events throughout the state over the past two years.

* Created the Troops to College task force which has brought leaders together from the University of California, California State University, and Community College system and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Education and Child Development, the military bases in California and veteran advocates with the goal of easing the transition into higher education for veterans. Additionally, the Governor supported recent changes in the federal GI Bill that expands educational benefits for recent veterans by increasing the maximum amount of assistance to match the high tuition of any of the state universities and colleges.

* Signed legislation to protect service members and their families from predatory and deceptive lending practices and unlawful financial and investment schemes.

* Led the efforts for groundbreaking on three new veterans' homes in West Los Angeles, Ventura and Lancaster-the largest investment of this kind in state history. Two additional homes are in the planning stages in Redding and Fresno.

* Signed legislation requiring employers to allow the spouse of a service member serving to take up to 10 days of unpaid leave to spend time with their husband or wife while they are home on leave. Additionally, the Governor supported the creation of the Pathway Home Program, which is designed to help veterans and active duty personnel suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress transition back into civilian life.