Michelle Nall

This Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031 articulates the Texas Veterans Commission's commitment to advocating for and providing superior services to significantly improve the quality of life for Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The plan is organized around three primary goals: assisting veterans with receiving all due benefits and services through effective advocacy and training across nine program areas; funding direct services to veterans by providing grants to community non-profit organizations and local units of government for general assistance, mental health, housing, and veterans treatment courts; and ensuring effective administration of the Hazlewood Act Exemption Program. The Commission aims to deliver quality, comprehensive, and accessible services through a dedicated workforce and strong partnerships, adapting to the evolving needs of the state's veteran population.

The Commission meeting focused on several key items including a presentation on the Veterans Ride for Free program in El Paso, an update on the establishment of five Veteran Business Operations Centers (VBOX) across Texas, and a report on upcoming Women Veterans Day programs. Division updates were provided regarding the Veterans Benefits Division, including the rollout of the Hazlewood database and the transition of veterans' mental health programs. The Commission also reviewed operating budget reports, discussed revenue from lottery ticket sales, and considered additional funding requests for grant programs, including the approval of grant awards for the upcoming fiscal period.

The agenda for the Third Quarterly Meeting covers various operational and administrative matters, including agency department and program reports, the review of the fiscal year 2026 second quarter operating budget, and the presentation of the executive director's report. Key business items include discussions on the 2025 employer awards, the 2027-2031 strategic plan, and the adoption of new rules regarding veteran-owned business verification. Additionally, the commission will consider grant amendments for the Fund for Veterans' Assistance to support various community organizations and service programs, as well as review recommendations for fiscal year 2027 grants. The session also includes an executive session to address personnel matters and pending litigation.

The meeting included a public comment session regarding FY24-25 grants from the Central Texas Council of Governments. The commission discussed guidance for the FY2027 Grant Request for Applications and reviewed grant information provided to the commissioners.

The committee held a recommendation meeting to discuss FY27 veteran mental health grant applications. The discussion included the grant process, public comments from organizations requesting funding, and the review of applications within three service categories: clinical counseling, nonclinical mental health services, and the service dog program. The committee addressed discrepancies in the data provided, took a brief recess to verify figures, and approved recommendations for several service dog programs, including Austin Dog Alliance, Patriot Paws Service Dogs, and K9 Companions for Independence.