Mathis named vice chair of Veterans Affairs

Devin Mathis has been in the California Assembly only long enough to be sworn in, but he has a new assignment vice chairman of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs for the 2015-2016 legislative session.

Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego made the appointment last week.

Mathis, R-Visalia, who was elected in November to fill the 26th Assembly seat, seems an ideal fit for the task, as he is an Army veteran severely wounded during his second tour of duty in Iraq.

After coming home, he began extensive therapy, earned a university degree and also became a full-time veterans advocate before running for office earlier this year.

“I am glad that Assembly Speaker Atkins recognized the need for an actual veteran to serve as vice chair of the committee which directly impacts nearly two million Californians and their families,” Mathis said in a written statement.

“As a Veteran who also was wounded in combat, I know the struggles and issues my brothers and sisters in arms and their families face when they return home. I look forward to being a strong voice to ensure the California Legislature is reminded of the obligation it has to those who have protected our liberties,” his statement continues.

The Committee on Veterans Affairs oversee programs which include the Cal-Vet loan program, the California Department of Veterans Affairs, and the California National Guard.

In his statement, Mathis states that millions of his fellow Veterans were “disenfranchised” by the previous leadership.

Besides serving on the Veterans Affairs committee, Mathis also was appointed to serve on the Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife; the Committee on Agriculture; and the Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care.