Arkansas is home to more than 182,000 veterans. As we approach Veterans Day, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for their selflessness and bravery. We are also grateful to families of service members and veterans who also serve this nation with their support and sacrifice. Whether they served in times of war or peace, our veterans all share an unwavering belief in the cause of freedom.

The Arkansas General Assembly continually reviews ways to ensure our veterans and their families are well cared for and that our policies make life a little easier for those who call Arkansas home.

In 2017, we passed Act 141 which exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax.

In the 2023 Regular Session, we passed several pieces of legislation aimed at improving benefits for veterans including Act 395. This act amends the definition of “homestead” for purposes of the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children of disabled veterans.

Act 201 seeks to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver.

ACT 137 adds consideration of national certifications toward initial occupational licensure and extends the application of the Arkansas Occupational Licensing of Uniformed Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses Act of 2021 to spouses. The act also eliminates the one-year limit for veterans to apply service education, training, or certifications toward initial occupational licensure.

ACT 649 repeals the deadline by which students must apply for school transfers under the Public School Choice Act of 2015 for children of uniformed services families and allows a child to be eligible for enrollment in the public school of his or her choice if certain conditions are met.
We will continue to study policies that support our veterans and their families.

We encourage Arkansans to consider ways they can support our veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year. There are numerous volunteer opportunities across the state. Medical facilities, VA hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics need volunteers to perform a wide range of duties.

By Chris Carmody

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) on Nov. 6 hosted a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast to honor students and employees for their service in the armed forces.

The event, organized by the Veterans Subcommittee of the UAMS Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DDEI), was part of a monthlong celebration of veterans at UAMS and in the community. The effort included a campuswide donation drive to deliver care packages to three facilities that assist veterans in central Arkansas.

The veterans breakfast began with a performance of the national anthem by Anthony Drake, administrative analyst for DDEI, and a presentation of colors by students from the Arkansas Military and First Responder Academy.

UAMS Hosts Breakfast, Donation Drive to Show Appreciation for Veterans