Rep. Ed Oliver and State Sen. Andrew Jones File Legislation to Establish the Alabama Veterans Resources Center

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL – Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) and State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) have filed legislation to establish the Alabama Veterans Resources Center (AVRC).

The Alabama Veterans Resource Center will serve as a sustainable, one-stop resource center that prioritizes holistic support for veterans, military personnel, and their families. It will focus on mental and physical health, employment, social connections, and overall well-being.

Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), who serves as chairman of the House Military and Veteran Affairs Committee, will carry the legislation in the House.

"Returning to civilian life after serving our country can be challenging for America's heroes," said Chairman Oliver. "Numerous studies have shown that a clear purpose after service lightens the load of this change in lifestyle and reduces mental health issues among veterans. As a veteran with over 31 years of service, supporting Alabama's 400,000 veterans will always be a top priority, and I fully believe the Alabama Veterans Resources Center has the power to uplift the men and women who have made great sacrifices for our country."

The Veteran Mental Health Steering Committee's gap study on veteran mental health resources identified the need for this initiative and officially requested that the Legislature establish and fund the initiative with a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund at its January 30th meeting.

"As chairman of the Senate Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs, I've had the honor of working with leaders in the veteran community to identify areas where state government can better serve Alabama's veteran population," said State Sen. Andrew Jones (R- Centre). The AVRC will bridge the gap between military and civilian life, connecting veterans with opportunities that match their skills while also helping them develop new ones. Alabama is widely regarded as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation, and this initiative moves us closer to also being one of the most veteran-friendly states."

The Alabama Veterans Resource Center utilizes a public-private partnership model and will be supported by the business community. With the state Legislature's commitment and partnerships with private entities, including Alabama Power, the initiative will support all who have served our nation in military service and affirm our state's position as the best place for veterans and their families to live.

The legislation can be viewed here.

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/HB153-int.pdf