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State Representative Tim Sanders
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4226
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS RELEASE
SANDERS EXTENDS PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS SEEKING FISHING AND GAME PERMITS
St. Paul -- Representative Sanders, the freshmen legislator from Blaine, recently had his first bill receive a committee hearing. His bill was heard in the Game, Fish, and Forestry Division; and was held over for possible inclusion in Omnibus Game and Fish Bill.
“Having your first bill hearing is an exciting opportunity,” Sanders stated after the committee. “You don’t know what kinds of questions they’re going to ask you about your bill.” The bill provides preference to all service members; particularly wounded and disabled veterans who have a service connected disability with respects to receiving game and fishing permits.
Sanders holds great respect for the brave members of the military. His father served in the Air Force, and Tim spent many years growing up on a military base. His brother currently serves in the Air Force as well.
His bill further contends that any veterans given a purple heart or those who have a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more should be given preference by those in the Natural Resources Department when it comes to game and fishing licenses and permits.
“I understand the sacrifice our military men and women make,” said Sanders. “This is one way for the state to recognize and say thanks for their sacrifice.”
During the testimony Sanders was joined by Ray LaPresto who volunteers for a mentoring program through the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mr. LaPresto also answered some questions from members of the committee.
Currently, preference is granted for those who are either serving in the U.S. armed forces (including the National Guard), or those who have served during the past 24 months. The preference is used when selecting individuals for certain turkey, bear, antlerless deer, and special hunting permits.
Presently, the commissioner is allowed to give preference for veterans and service members seeking game and fish permits, yet he is not required to. This new bill would require the commissioner to give preference to all service members and veterans.
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