Kathy Szeliga on Homeland Security

The V.A. fails our veterans with mountains of red-tape

Unfortunately, this Memorial Day marks another year in which we have failed those veterans who are still alive. The situation at the Department of Veterans Affairs does not appear to have gotten any better.

As the daughter of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, I strongly believe we must honor the promises we have made to our men and women in uniform. But right now, the VA continues to fail them with mountains of red-tape, burdensome regulations, and wait times that threaten the health and even life of our veterans. It is a stain on our nation and must be resolved.

No county or city restrictions on drones; study state use

Bill excerpts:
• Only the State may enact a law or take other action to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the State; preempting the authority of a county or municipality.
• WHEREAS, While the public has expressed concerns with the operation of UAS, there are benefits that may be realized by the State, including the State's various industry sectors, from conducting research on UAS and in manufacturing, and operating UAS;
• THEREFORE the Department of Business and Economic Development shall [conduct an evaluation of UAS].

Legislative record: Passed Senate 46-0-1; passed House 136-1-4, April 5; signed by Governor May 12. (Rep. Szeliga voted YEA)