Committee hears women veterans’ testimony, advances licensing and procurement bills

The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday heard prolonged testimony from women veterans and advocates who urged the panel to address childcare, transportation, mental-health care and housing barriers that prevent many women who served from accessing benefits and services.

Jen, a U.S. Navy veteran who identified herself as an advocate and housing navigator, told the committee that "the hesitancy many women veterans feel about participating in the broader veteran community" stems from facilities and outreach that do not feel inclusive. She described being asked for a pregnancy test at a VA clinic that "looked like it hadn't seen the daylight since the 1980s," saying that experience reinforced the sense that women are often "an afterthought in a system that is primarily built for someone else." She also cited childcare and transportation as common barriers that cause women veterans to miss appointments and community supports.

Liz Myers, who said she founded a nonprofit to support female veterans, highlighted gaps in mental-health care, homelessness prevention and employment assistance. "We need more housing resources," Myers said, and urged better Department of Labor services for veterans transitioning to civilian employment.

Jennifer Alvarado framed the issue with data, citing the growth of women in the military and health risks that disproportionately affect female veterans. She urged support for measures she named — including the BRAVE Act and HR 219 (described in her remarks as improving menopause care for veterans) — and recommended that New Jersey lawmakers ensure veteran representation on a new advisory board for psychedelic therapy research and clinical pilots.

Committee members asked witnesses about outreach and whether technology-based communications miss older veterans; members also discussed potential policy responses. Chairwoman Cleopatra Tucker acknowledged the concerns and said the committee would follow up, including exploring whether vouchers or daycare partnerships at VA centers could reduce barriers to care.

On legislative business, the committee moved several bills forward. A936, which would exempt veterans (and their spouses or partners) from initial application fees for professional credentials obtained by reciprocity, was released by voice and roll-call vote. A976, clarifying temporary courtesy licenses for nonresident military spouses, was also released.

A1900, a bill that would create a price-preference program for businesses owned by women veterans competing for state contracts, drew more debate. One public commenter warned the committee that "a veteran is a veteran" and cautioned against dividing veterans into categories; Ken Hegeman, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, countered that female veteran-owned businesses are underrepresented and that the preference would be modest and targeted. A motion to table A1900 — proposed so the Disabled American Veterans could testify at a later date — failed on a roll-call vote; the committee then voted to release A1900, with one objection recorded.

The committee also released A1910, legislation described as strengthening protections, penalties, jurisdiction and victim compensation related to sexual assault and child abuse involving military personnel; the VFW expressed support for that bill.

The committee made no final determinations on implementation details during the meeting. Members said they would continue to consult witnesses and stakeholder groups and consider bills as they move through the legislative process. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda for the day.