Texas, Florida top ALEC ranking of state veterans’ policies

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(The Center Square) – Texas topped Florida in a new ranking of state policies supporting veterans and military families.

The Lone Star state got 66 out of 100 points in the American Legislative Exchange Council's new report, released Tuesday, a day before Veterans Day.

Florida got 65 points. Arizona (60 points), Colorado (59 points), and Oklahoma (52 points) rounded out the top five.

New York ranked last with 15 points. Vermont, Michigan, South Dakota and Hawaii were also in the bottom five.

ALEC’s first “Serving Those Who Serve” report scores 10 policy areas worth 10 points each. 

Military family policies counted for 40 points. Those categories cover school moves and school support programs, homeschooling and child care.

States can earn 20 points for recognizing military training in civilian job licensing and building public-private partnerships.

Court and criminal diversion policies account for another 20 points. The remaining 20 points cover regulated access to psilocybin-assisted therapy and research funding for ibogaine-assisted therapy.

ALEC bases most scores on state laws. It uses veterans’ share of each state’s population to break ties.

The group promotes limited government and free markets. Its review uses several of its own model policies.

“Our veterans and military families have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, and they deserve policies that help them thrive,” ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson said in a statement provided to The Center Square.

Texas got all 20 points for civilian transition policies but none for criminal diversion or regulated access to psilocybin therapy.

Florida scored 19 out of 20 points for courts and criminal diversion. That’s better than Texas’ eight. Florida earned no points in either emerging treatment category.

ALEC said 48 states have veterans treatment courts. However, only 14 have written uniform standards into law.

These treatment courts help eligible veterans receive mental health or substance use disorder care. Local rules say whether the programs offer an alternative to prosecution or jail.

“Our goal is to give lawmakers a clear picture of where their states stand and identify practical reforms that can improve the lives of veterans, servicemembers, and their families,” Zachary Federico, who directs ALEC’s Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force, said.