Juan Amaya

The meeting began with opening acknowledgments, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag, followed by an opening prayer. Key agenda items included public comments (with specific attendees deferred to later agenda items) and the approval of the consent agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved presentations recognizing outgoing commissioners (Kevin Barber, Mary Lopez Dale, and Mike Hernandez) for their service, including the presentation of certificates from the Governor and the Texas House of Representatives. Division updates were provided, covering performance measures for Veteran Benefits (which met or exceeded targets, highlighted by resolving a complex, long-pending veteran death claim resulting in a significant retroactive payment), Healthcare, Veterans Education (which greatly exceeded targets due to academic year catalog approvals), and Veterans Mental Health (which remained on target despite significant organizational growth and program transfer from HHSC). Discussions also covered the delayed but nearing launch of the web-based Hazlewood database project, which includes new mobile applications. Finally, the Veterans Mental Health Director provided an annual report on Veteran Treatment Courts, noting 32 courts operating across 42 counties and a funding level over $6.73 million for FY25, while also identifying the need for more accurate and standardized data reporting from courts.

The meeting covered the approval of the Consent Agenda. Key presentations included the 2025 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) and joint activities between the Veterans Land Board and the Commission. Reports detailed the FY2025 Annual Internal Audit, updates from the Veteran Benefits Division (including leadership changes, impact of a federal shutdown, and PIV card delays), and updates from the Veteran Services Division. Key considerations involved the approval of the FY26 Internal Audit Plan, acceptance of new Fund for Veterans' Assistance Advisory Committee members, tabling of a grant amendment request from the Central Texas Council of Governments, approval of an amendment for the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency grant, addition of UT El Paso to the VEERA recipients, and the proposed posting and repeal of several rules concerning Protests of Agency Purchases and the Fund for Veterans Assistance Program.

The meeting included a presentation of the University of Texas in Arlington 2025 Vera Award and a presentation of joint activities between the Veteran Land Board and the Texas Veterans Commission. The discussion covered outreach activities, benefits fairs, and the Texas Veterans Call Center. Also, there was a discussion on internal audit annual financial report for fiscal year 2025.

The meeting included a pledge of allegiance to both the U.S. and Texas flags. The committee approved the minutes from the January 30th-31st, 2017 meeting. There was a discussion regarding organizations with multiple grant applications and the color-coding system used to identify grants above or below the funding line. The committee also discussed and took action on recommendations for the 2017-2018 general assistance grants, including a review of the grant review and approval process.

The meeting included discussions from members of the public. Topics included funding for veteran support programs, challenges faced by veterans in accessing benefits, and legislative priorities related to veteran affairs. Specific issues raised included the need for mental health services, the importance of addressing opioid addiction, and concerns about claim sharks.