Clarksville TN – Senator-elect Dr. Mark Green, has already introduced his first piece of legislation, and he hasn’t even be sworn into office yet. Recently elected to the 22nd District, and awaiting the next term of the Tennessee Legislature, Dr. Green is ready to get to work.
“One of our first priorities is to make sure that the veterans in our community have not only a voice, but an easier transition from military life back into the private sector, said Green. The veterans in Tennessee are committed to fighting for their community and country, and I am committed to fighting for them.”
Calling it the “Veteran Trucker’s Bill,” Green is asking the state to waive the CDL Skills Test requirement for soldiers with military truck driving training, a valid military license and two years of accident free driving.
“It makes very little sense, that a soldier who can legally drive an 18-wheeler with a sixty ton tank on a flat bed is suddenly unable to do so when he or she is discharged from the military. Tennessee is one of only eleven states that still require soldiers with experience, training and no accident history to take the skills test,” said Green.
With a shortage of truck drivers in Tennessee, this legislation will not only impact the veterans, but will serve as the economic engine to industry throughout the state of Tennessee.
State Representatives Curtis Johnson and Joe Pitts are in support of the bill in the house.
“This is a great bill, an excellent start for our new senator, and an honor for me to be the prime sponsor for this piece of legislation in the House. I am excited to partner with Mark on this legislation and many more to come,” said Johnson, Speaker Pro Temp of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Representative Pitts said, “this proposal is a step in the right direction toward addressing the high unemployment rate among our veterans.”
The legislation is being hailed by local veterans who expressed their support of their fellow veteran, Dr. Green, including retired Lt. General Hugh Smith.
“It is very exciting to see that Senator Green’s legislation will enable veterans to re-enter the workforce with a smooth transition. I am very pleased that Senator Green has reinforced his verbal commitment to help veterans in Tennessee,” Smith said.
The 108th General Assembly convenes January 8th, 2013. If passed the bill would take effect July 1st, 2013.
