Pubdate: Sun, 02 Dec 2012 Source: Dallas Morning News (TX) Copyright: 2012 The Dallas Morning News, Inc. Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/cgi-bin/lettertoed.cgi Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117 Author: Mathew Stiner VETERANS NEED HELP Texas legislators should follow the recommendations of the Texas Coordinating Council for Veterans Services and significantly expand Veterans Treatment Courts throughout the state. Texas has already saved $2 billion through aggressive criminal justice reform, including the expansion of drug courts. Now is the time to further these cost-effective programs while coming to the aid of the men and women who have sacrificed for our country. Veterans Treatment Courts operate similar to drug courts, but are reserved for veterans suffering from substance abuse, mental illness or trauma. They actually save money because in most cases the VA covers the treatment. While the vast majority of veterans are strengthened by their service, we know that many struggle to re-engage with life at home. With thousands of troops still waiting to return, legislators must take action and implement Veterans Treatment Courts throughout the state. Mathew Stiner, Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom