Cox’s Corner (4-30-09)

Veteran’s Appreciation Day at your State Capitol was a moving experience.  The Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs is one of the six agencies that are under my domain as Chairman of an Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee.  Oklahoma is ranked as the most “Veteran Friendly” state in America.  Allow me to explain what we have done.  Following is a list of State benefits (these are in addition to any U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs federal benefits):

Oklahoma operates seven long term care facilities for disabled and senior veterans unable to live at home.

Veterans living in Oklahoma get a state tax deduction for Armed Forces retirement income up to $10,000.  Reduced fee auto tags are available for veterans that are 50% service connected disabled.  Veterans that are 100% service connected disabled are eligible for sales tax, excise tax, property tax, and “household” property tax exemptions.

Financial assistance programs are available for Veterans who served 90 days of wartime service, have one year of Oklahoma residency and are temporarily injured or whose income is reduced or changed due to illness, death or disaster.

Veterans are admitted free to state parks and museums.  Free hunting and fishing permits are available to Oklahoma Veterans with 60% or more service or non-service connected disabilities.

Employment preferences are given to Veterans when applying for state jobs, with even more consideration for those with service connected disabilities.  County Clerks in each county of the State will record and furnish copies of military discharges without cost.  Any custodian of public records shall furnish any war veteran with certified copies of public records needed to secure state and/or federal benefits.

If any Veteran needs more information about state benefits you may call 888-655-2838, or my Capitol office at 405-557-7415,

We are proud and appreciative of our Veterans.  Young people should consider a career in the Armed Forces.  Tell any out of state veteran, as they say on the Price Is Right T.V. show-—“Come on down!!” to Oklahoma.