AUGUSTA – Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, was honored with the American Legion’s 2023 Legislator of the Year Award at the organization’s annual state convention on Saturday. The award recognizes President Jackson’s longstanding commitment to the health, well-being and economic security of veterans and their families.
“I’m honored to have been named the Maine Department of the American Legion’s 2023 Legislator of the Year. It is a privilege to fight alongside the folks at the American Legion for the brave individuals who have fought for our freedoms,” said President Jackson.
Earlier this year, President Jackson introduced legislation to establish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission following conversations with veterans and former members of the Maine National Guard who served and participated in training activities at the Canadian military support base in Gagetown, New Brunswick.
Last year, President Jackson led the successful effort to prevent the closure of the Maine Veterans’ Homes in Caribou and Machias. He sponsored a new law that requires legislative approval and a transparent process for the closure of these homes. He also partnered with Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Withrop, to create the Maine Veterans’ Home Stabilization Fund to support the long-term operations of these facilities.
President Jackson championed a number of policies during the previous legislative session to help veterans and military families transition back to civilian life. He voted for a law that allows veterans, active-duty members of the military and their spouses to obtain a temporary license or certification in Maine if they held a similar license in another state. He also worked to expand the Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption program to include the “Forgotten Vietnam War Veterans” and supported the creation of a refundable property tax fairness credit for veterans who are 100 percent permanently and totally disabled.
The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow servicemembers and veterans.
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