By MOAA Staff

MOAA’s national advocacy efforts cover all aspects of uniformed service … but not all legislation affecting those who serve stems from the federal level.

MOAA’s State Legislative Exchange Forum (SLEF) was created in 2019 to address that gap: Quarterly virtual meetings allow members to share best practices for state-level advocacy, discuss ways to expand participation, and hear from experts on service-connected topics.

The group’s next meeting, set for June 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern, will feature a discussion with Vicky Perkins and Emily Becher of Blue Star Families regarding suicide prevention efforts. Find details on upcoming meetings at the SLEF website.

The group’s most recent meeting featured Dr. Larry Pruitt, director for suicide prevention programs at the VA’s Puget Sound Health Care System, who discussed approaches to veteran suicide prevention and the importance of community connection, proactive engagement, and peer support in reaching veterans before they reach a crisis point. Members who missed the discussion can review the session video at the SLEF website.

[RELATED: MOAA’s Military State Report Card and Tax Guide]

Meetings frequently include members of national MOAA’s Government Relations team, along with chapter and council legislative leaders and guests from the Defense-State Liaison Office, which works with state policymakers on military quality-of-life matters.

“State and local lawmakers have more to do with providing for military families than most servicemembers, or even veterans, realize,” said Jen Goodale, MOAA’s director of Government Relations for Veteran and Retired Affairs. “They set policy related to a military spouse receiving a new professional license and military kids moving into a new school, along with tax breaks and other benefits. A coordinated approach on these issues can make a real difference.”

The SLEF also looks at state-level programs affecting uniformed services retirees, including state tax exclusions on military retirement pay, property tax relief for veterans, state-level veterans’ benefits and programs, and much more.

[RELATED: State Advocacy Resources From MOAA]

For MOAA national members looking to make a tangible impact beyond federal advocacy, the SLEF offers an opportunity to engage directly on issues that shape daily life for servicemembers, veterans, military families, and survivors in their own communities. Members can help influence policies that often have an immediate and personal effect on the uniformed services community.

Email Team@slef-moaa.org for more information.