Veterans
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- Written by: Editor
SACRAMENTO — Assembly lawmakers on Friday overwhelmingly approved a bill to grant military retirees and their dependents up to $20,000 as a state tax exemption.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the bill, AB 53, earlier this year.
Ramos said, “I am heartened that this bill is moving forward. It is intended to acknowledge the many sacrifices of our military retirees and their families and serve as an incentive to keep them in California. They frequently start second careers and have needed job skills to fuel the state economy.” Ramos added, “Legislative support has been bipartisan and the governor has marked funding for this effort in the state budget. Now, we need to continue pressing for passage in the state Senate.”
California is the only state that does not offer any tax exemption on military pensions to its 141,000 military retirees.
The San Diego Military Advisory Council reports that if a tax exemption were in place, economic gains for the state would include 12,600 more jobs, $1.27 billion added to the GSP and $2 billion added to total business sales.
AB 53 is jointly sponsored by the American Legion-Department of California, the Marine Corps League-Department of California, the California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, California Military Officers Association of America, the Enlisted Association of the California National Guard of the United States and the California State Commanders Veterans Council.
A partial list of supporters includes Vietnam Veterans of America, California, Women Veterans Alliance, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, California State Commanders Veterans Council, the California State Treasurer, California State Board of Equalization and California State Retirees.
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- Written by: Office of the State Treasurer
Proceeds from the sale will be used by CalVet to provide home loans to veterans in California.
CalVet was established in 1921 and began making low-interest rate home financing available to veterans after World War I.
Since its inception, the CalVet Home Loan program has funded more than $8.5 billion of home loans to over 425,000 California veterans.
The program’s guiding principle is to provide the best product for the lowest possible cost, without costing California taxpayers a penny.
A total of 11 bids were received from broker-dealers, with Barclays Capital Inc. submitting the winning bid with a true interest cost of 4.41 percent.
The bonds will mature on dates ranging from 2026 to 2055 with initial yields ranging from 3.00 percent to 4.65 percent.
The bonds are rated Aa2 by Moody’s Investors Service, AA+ by S&P Global Ratings, and AA by Fitch Ratings. The bonds are scheduled to close on April 10, 2025.
For more information about the CalVet Home Loans, call 1-916-503-8318 or visit www.calvet.ca.gov/HomeLoans.
The calendar of all upcoming state bond sales is available at the Treasurer’s investor relations website at https://www.buycaliforniabonds.com/state-of-california-ca/i27.
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- Written by: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below.
PROCLAMATION
From the Revolutionary War to today, women have played vital roles in our nation’s defense, answering the call to serve and demonstrating courage and dedication in every branch of the military — even before they could officially serve. Women’s Military History Week honors these women, recognizing their resilience, sacrifice, and leadership.
World War II marked a turning point with the creation of the Women’s Army Corps and the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-woman unit that ensured frontline troops received their mail. These forerunners helped pave the way for the full integration of women into all military roles, including combat positions.
Breaking down barriers has always made our military — and our country — stronger. This week, we celebrate all the women who have chosen to serve this country, no matter the cost to themselves, and we honor the history they’ve made in doing so.
From U.S. Army Sergeant Sagen Maddalena, silver medal winner in the 2024 Summer Olympics, to Captain Sage Fox, the first transgender soldier to openly serve, to our own CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin, California is home to countless women who have selflessly and bravely put their lives on the line – all of them history makers in their own way.
Each of these servicemembers, whether they’re active-duty or a veteran, those with us today and those who have passed on, deserve recognition and respect. At a moment when important parts and people of military history are being removed, we take this moment to acknowledge women’s military history. Our military is strong because of its many parts — because it draws on the strengths of our people, coming together in unity and in defense of our country.
Women’s Military History Week is a time to recognize these achievements and reaffirm our commitment to a military where all servicemembers have equal opportunities and recognition. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the strength that diversity brings to our U.S. Armed Forces.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 17-23, 2025, as “Women’s Military History Week.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 16th day of March 2025.
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
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- Written by: VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
With women being integral to every facet of American life including the establishment of the United States, it is surprising the nation has only been officially commemorating women’s achievements and contributions for 43 years.
Congress passed Public Law 97-28 in 1981, designating “Women’s History Week” beginning March 7, 1982, to recognize the undeniable fact that “American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, not only to secure their own right of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor union movement, and the modern civil rights movement,” and whose roles and contributions had been “consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American History.”
Authorized and requested by the law, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring Women’s History Week and called on a grateful nation to mark the observance with ceremonies and activities.
Within a few years, 14 states had already expanded the weeklong commemoration to the entire month of March. Finally in 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed the newly passed Public Law 100-9 designating the month of March as Women’s History Month.
The VFW salutes and honors all women service members, veterans and unsung heroes for their indelible achievements and contributions to our country, our freedom and our way of life.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
AB 53 (Military Tax Exemption) would provide a state tax exemption for retired members of the Armed Forces and recipients of the Department of Defense’s Survivor Benefits Program starting in 2025.
The exemption would be for up to $20,000 for taxable years between 2025 and 2030.
The sponsors include the American Legion, Department of California, California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Marine Corp League, Department of California and Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters.
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.
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- Written by: Veterans of Foreign Wars
Held every year, the national mid-winter conference encompasses the VFW’s largest legislative advocacy event, VFW business sessions and much more. The conference is attended by elected and appointed leaders and delegates from across the VFW and its Auxiliary including members from Europe and the Pacific Areas.
“The might of the VFW lies in its members and nowhere is that more on public display than in Washington, D.C., every March,” said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. “It is a spectacular sight to see hundreds of VFW members proudly wearing their caps as they walk the halls of Congress exercising their right to advocate for themselves and their comrades.”
The VFW’s 78th annual Voice of Democracy Parade of Winners, which is sponsored by Twisted X, will also take place during the Washington Conference.
Established shortly after World War II, the Voice of Democracy program challenges more than 26,000 high school students from across the country each year to craft democratic and patriotic-themed essays to win a portion of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives.
A $35,000 scholarship awaits the national competition’s first place winner and is paid directly to the American university, college or vocational/technical school of their choice.
“Today’s youth are the future of our beloved nation,” Lipphardt said. “Inspiring within young people pride, patriotism and a sense of ownership in our democracy today means having an engaged populous tomorrow — one that understands both the strength and fragility of what our Founding Fathers bestowed upon us and charged us with preserving. I look forward to meeting each Department winner and congratulating them on their exceptional responses to this year’s essay theme, ‘Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?’”
One of the final events of the Washington Conference is the annual commander-in-chief’s testimony set for March 4 at 10 a.m. (EST) before a special joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
“Service to and advocacy for our brothers and sisters-in-arms is at the heart of who we are at VFW, and I could not be more honored and humbled to lead from the front and carry our message to Congress,” Lipphardt said. “This year, we have a new Congress and new administration, and we will be heard. Some of these issues have long gone unresolved by our elected and appointed officials, which is unacceptable. Make no mistake — the VFW will not stop pounding the drum on what veterans need and care about, to include the federal government’s inalienable responsibility to deliver on its promises. Members of Congress can count on us to “March Forth” with hats in their halls and offices until our concerns are rectified and they Honor the Contract.”
Lipphardt is poised to discuss the VFW’s top legislative priorities for 2025 including:
• Unresolved toxic exposures.
• Alternative PTSD treatments.
• Military transition.
• Claim sharks.
• GI Bill parity.
• Concurrent receipt (disability compensation and retirement pay offset).
Washington Conference also marks the culmination of the 11th annual VFW-Student Veterans of America Legislative Fellowship.
Six fellows will join VFW advocates on Capitol Hill as they meet with lawmakers and staff to discuss Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility parity between active and reserve component service members.
Last year, the VFW-grown and supported Not Just a Number Act was made law via the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, also known as the Dole Act, in large part due to the unified advocacy of VFW members and VFW-SVA fellows.
Read the VFW’s complete list of 2025 Priority Goals approved by VFW members here.
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will livestream this year’s testimony on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs YouTube channel here.
Visit the 2025 VFW Washington Conference webpage and follow us on social media for all #VFWDC2025 Washington Conference updates.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
It will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
They will serve meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the fixings.
There also will be music by Bill VanDerWall.
The event is free to all veterans, with a $10 donation requested for non-veterans.
All donations will go to the lodge’s veterans unit.
The Moose Lodge is located at 15900 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.
For more information, call the lodge at 707-998-3740.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
It will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
They will serve roasted turkey, vegetables, salad and dessert.
There also will be music with Fiddlers and Friends.
The event is free to all veterans, with a $10 donation requested for non-veterans.
All donations will go to a local veterans organization.
The Moose Lodge is located at 15900 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.
For more information, call the lodge at 707-998-3740.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
It will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
They will serve sliced ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes, bread, salad and dessert.
There also will be music by Randy Hood.
The event is free to all veterans, with a $10 donation requested for non-veterans.
All donations will go to a local veterans organization.
The Moose Lodge is located at 15900 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.
For more information, call the lodge at 707-998-3740.
