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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2603
Page 1 of 2
XXXX 3/26/2026 10:59 AM Jacketed
A RESOLUTION recognizing and celebrating the patriotic service and community 1
contributions of veterans and the importance of protecting the earned benefits of our 2
veterans from retaliatory and punitive measures. 3
WHEREAS, the people of Kentucky recognize and celebrate the patriotic service 4
and community contributions of the more than 370,000 Kentucky veterans and their 5
families, totaling over one million residents, who call our great Commonwealth their 6
home; and 7
WHEREAS, the people of the Commonwealth and this nation have a First 8
Amendment right to free speech, and the veterans of the United States Armed Forces 9
have sacrificed for the protection of that exercise; and 10
WHEREAS, in recognition of veterans' vital contributions to our state economy and 11
local communities, we voice full support for the preservation and protection of their 12
earned benefits from any punitive elimination or reduction of their retiree pay, vetera n 13
healthcare, or disability compensation for any exercise of their First Amendment right of 14
free speech; and 15
WHEREAS, the right to free speech was a central impetus for the American 16
Revolution, and America's veterans, from the camps of Valley Forge to the deserts of 17
Afghanistan, have stood time and time again to protect this uniquely American idea of 18
free speech; and 19
WHEREAS, Kentucky veterans have faithfully served the nation, and we 20
steadfastly honor their service by protecting their earned benefits and right to free speech. 21
There would be no right to free speech were it not for America's veterans; and 22
WHEREAS, any punitive risk that unjustly threatens Kentucky veterans' benefits 23
would severely impact our 370,000 veterans and their families; and 24
WHEREAS, v olumes of First Amendment case law have been promulgated 25
because of the speech of veterans advocating for their hard-earned rights; and 26
WHEREAS, to disenfranchise one veteran can disenfranchise all veterans; 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2603
Page 2 of 2
XXXX 3/26/2026 10:59 AM Jacketed
NOW, THEREFORE, 1
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 2
Kentucky: 3
Section 1. The Senate hereby recognizes and celebrates the patriotic service and 4
community contributions of veterans and the importance protecting the earned benefits of 5
our veterans from retaliatory and punitive measures. 6
Section 2. The Senate stands with our military veterans in advocating for their 7
right to free speech and the protection of their earned retirement, healthcare, and 8
disability benefits from specious claims. 9
Section 3. The Cle rk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 10
Resolution to Senator Reginald Thomas. 11