LANSING – State Representative George Darany’s (D-Dearborn) bill that would allow Michigan veterans to have a “veteran” designation put on their state issued ID card was reported out of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee this week. House Bill 4287 will now be referred to the full Michigan House of Representatives for consideration.
“Michigan is home to more than 650,000 veterans, and it is important that we send a clear signal that the people of this state are truly grateful for their service to our country,” said Darany. “I want to thank my colleagues on the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee for allowing me the opportunity to testify in support of this legislation and for voting it out of committee.”
There are many businesses throughout Michigan that provide special discounts or reduced rates for our veterans, and they often require proof of veteran status in order for individuals to be eligible. House Bill 4287 will allow the veteran designation on Michigan ID cards and will make it easier for Michigan veterans to access these opportunities. Currently, there are 18 other states that provide the veterans designation or have passed legislation to do so: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Utah -New Jersey provides vet ID cards to those who cannot obtain a federal Veterans Administration ID card.
“Our heroic veterans are truly deserving of recognition for their sacrifices and they are completely deserving of our respect and admiration,” said Darany. “My bill would be a compliment to House Bill 4037, introduced by Rep. Jenkins, which would allow designation of veteran status on state issued driver’s licenses.”