Working for Veterans and Military Families

On Veterans Day, Dawn was honored as the 2007 Legislator of the Year for Outstanding Service to Veterans. The Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and Department of Veteran Affairs presented the award.

Dawn gets Lawmaker of the Year award for veterans on Veterans Day, 2007

Dawn gets Lawmaker of the Year award on Veterans Day, 2007

Dawn earned the honor by being a champion for veterans. As the former Co-chair of the Legislature's Joint Select Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs, Dawn understands servicemen, servicewomen and their families. Her husband Jim is a retired Air Force pilot.

She knows our debt to those who serve our country honorably in the armed forces doesn't end with active duty. Improving veterans' services is vital.

Highlights of Dawn's accomplishments

Dawn's an effective advocate for military families and veterans. Her leadership has helped to create new laws such as:

The Veterans' Innovations Program. Dawn wrote this law to help communities tailor emergency relief, education, training, and employment services for veterans of recent military action. Plus, a new Defenders Fund will help smooth the transition home from service overseas.

Expanded college tuition waivers for veterans.

Financial protections for National Guard members

The Veteran Down Payment Assistance Program to speed home ownership, and

Civil protections for families of active-duty National Guard members.

Require veterans' assistance programs in every county.

Empower college tuition waivers for veterans and National Guard members (expanded in 2006)

Create a special state license plate to honor veterans and military service.

Granting property-tax relief for low-income widows and widowers of veterans.

Regulate how pay-day lenders treat military personnel.

In the Future ...

Pierce County is proud to be home to Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base, Madigan Army Medical Center, and Camp Murray National Guard post. These installations and the people they bring to Pierce County are vital to our local character and economy. This is why everyone in our area has a stake in the future of our veterans and military families. Dawn's working to make it a better future.

Re-electing Dawn Morrell is a sure way to ensure that veterans have a champion in the Legislature and the 25th District.