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Two Florida Lawmakers Combine Efforts Aimed At Helping Vets, Active Military

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Two Florida lawmakers are combining their separate efforts aimed at helping military veterans as well as those deployed overseas.

The bill gives veterans priority for registering for college classes. Sen. Aaron Bean’s (R-Fernandina Beach) measure also calls for the creation of a task force under the Secretary of State to brainstorm how to count the votes of those serving overseas.

On my side of the bill, we’ve heard from veterans who say it can be very difficult sometimes submitting your vote and sometimes there’s not enough time to submit a vote when you’re overseas deployed,” said Bean.

The other part of the bill allows veterans to check off a box requesting available local, state, and federal benefits.

“That says when you get your driver’s license, the folks at the Driver’s license place will say ‘hey, if you’re a veteran, would you like some information on services catering to veterans in this area. That’s easy. That’s it,” added Bean.

That part of the bill is by Rep. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota)—also a veteran.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.