Sacramento, CA – January 15, 2026 –  Nearly 10,000 veterans, veteran family members, and veteran advocates have signed a petition opposing California Senate Bill 694, warning that the legislation will harm underrepresented veteran communities, particularly African American, Hispanic, and rural veterans whose voices are too often overlooked in state policymaking.

The petition, led by California Veterans United alongside other veteran advocacy partners, calls on state lawmakers to halt or amend SB 694. Veterans say the bill risks deepening existing inequities and further marginalizing those already struggling to access benefits, mental health resources, and economic opportunities after their service.

“Veterans have fought for this country and earned the right to be heard,” said Sky Ainsworth, Director of Veteran Affairs for California Veterans United. “SB 694 moves in the opposite direction. It silences veterans who already face systemic barriers and makes it harder for their concerns to reach the people making decisions in Sacramento.”

Advocates say the petition reflects growing frustration among veterans who feel their lived experiences are routinely excluded from the legislative process. Rural veterans continue to face geographic and economic obstacles to care, while veterans of color experience persistent disparities that remain unaddressed.

“Too many veterans feel ignored until election season,” said Tara Jones, Veteran Advocate with California Veterans United. “This petition makes it clear these concerns are real, widespread, and urgent.”

California Veterans United is urging state leaders to meet directly with affected veterans and ensure any legislation moving forward reflects the full diversity of the veteran community, not just those with the loudest voices or easiest access to lawmakers.

“We owe it to every man and woman who served to listen,” Ainsworth added. “Ignoring veterans—especially those already marginalized—undermines the values they fought to defend.”