Building State-Level Support for the Major Richard Star Act

Each new state resolution adds momentum — and reinforces that veterans are watching and expecting action.

State Resolutions Drive Action

State resolutions are formal statements passed by state legislatures to show support for an issue — in this case, the Major Richard Star Act. While resolutions don’t change federal law, they help build momentum and apply pressure on Congress by showing that states and veterans demand action.

Resolution Status

Use the interactive map below to see the status of resolutions in each state — whether a resolution has yet to be introduced or passed.

How to Get a Resolution Introduced in Your State

If your state has not yet introduced a resolution supporting the Major Richard Star Act, this is where you can help. Getting a resolution introduced starts with reaching out to a state lawmaker and asking them to formally show support for ending the “wounded veteran tax.” You do not need to be a policy expert — just be willing to speak up and use the tools below.

State Resolution Starter Toolkit

Our State Resolution Starter Toolkit walks you through the entire process of getting a resolution introduced in your state. Inside the toolkit, you will find:

Guidance on which state lawmakers to contact
Email and letter templates you can personalize and send directly to lawmakers
A meeting request script and talking points
Tips for following up after meetings and building local support
Sample resolution template your state legislators can use

Download the toolkit

Additional Resources

You will also need the following supplemental materials to share with your state representatives in your outreach:

Have you contacted a state lawmaker?

Let us know — we want to track momentum across the country. Email us at info@staractalliance.org.

Using Your State’s Resolution to Push for Action

If your state has already introduced a resolution, you can help advocate for its passage while also using it to push for action at the federal level. This section includes tools to help you spread the word and remind leaders that veterans are watching and expecting action.

State Resolution Action Toolkit

These advocacy tools and resources are for states where a resolution has already been introduced but not passed. Here, we provide ready-to-use materials to raise awareness and apply coordinated pressure for federal action.

Contacting your state lawmakers: How to find their contact information and pre-written messages you can personalize and send, encouraging support for the resolution.
Download >
Letters to the editor: Sample letters and guidance for submitting them to local news outlets.
Download >
Social media messages and graphics: Ready-to-use posts and visuals to highlight your state’s resolution and tag key lawmakers.
Download >
Short video scripts: Simple scripts to help you share personal videos on social media.
Download >

Additional Resources

You will also need the following supplemental materials:

Have you contacted a state lawmaker?

Let us know — we want to track momentum across the country. Email us at info@staractalliance.org.

Taking Action After a Resolution Passes

A passed resolution is an official statement from your state and a powerful way to show that support is real and growing.

We are developing a toolkit to help you thank state lawmakers who led the effort and use the momentum to press Congress to act. Check back soon to download it!

In the meantime, you can remind your members of Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act by sending them a letter.

Send a message to Congress