McDonnell signs veterans-related bills at the state Capitol

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) ceremonially signed 27 bills this afternoon on the South Portico of the Capitol that grant Virginia veterans more rights.

McDonnell was joined by Paul Galanti, commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services, Maj. Gen. Bob Newman, commander of the Virginia National Guard, and several legislators.

Bills include those that require the state to establish a database of veterans and their workforce skills; allow active-duty military personnel who are residents and on leave from having to obtain a basic fishing license; exempt veterans from paying a handling fee when opening a small business; allow active-duty military members in uniform to use HOV lanes in Hampton Roads; permit a member of the Virginia National Guard called to state active duty by the governor to continue his health or life insurance; add the Global War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to the wars that are recognized on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

"All of the legislation recognized today will take us a step further and ensure that our veterans are receiving our gratitude and thanks when they return home,'' McDonnell said.

Pictured (L to R): Galanti, Newman, McDonnell. (Photo courtesy of Michaele White, governor's photographer)