Chief Justice Hecht: Texas Must Back Promises to Veterans

by John Michaelson/TNS

AUSTIN, Texas – They have put their lives on the line for the freedoms in this country, and among those pushing Texas to make sure the promises made to veterans are kept are the most powerful judges in the state.

For many service members, the move back into civilian life can present barriers, often where legal help is needed.

That’s why the Supreme Court of Texas is focused on efforts to get veterans as much support as possible, says Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.

“Help with getting the benefits we promised them,” he stresses. “Help with family matters that have deteriorated while they’ve been on duty. With housing, employment, just the raft of civil legal issues that you might expect when you’ve been gone that long.”

Hecht notes that a good starting point for veterans in need of basic legal aid is the website TexasLawHelp.org.

It’s operated by attorneys at Texas Legal Services Center and now has a live chat option where veterans can connect in real time with a lawyer for free.

Access to free legal clinics and services for veterans has been expanding statewide, but Hecht says 80 percent of veterans still must be turned away because there’s not enough funding. State lawmakers are being asked to change that.

“The Supreme Court has asked the legislature for $4 million over the next biennium to help provide these basic civil legal services,” he says.

Hecht is the longest-serving member in the history of the Texas Supreme Court and a veteran himself, one of about 1.7 million in the state. Tuesday is Veterans Day.