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Governor Approves help for returning Veterans
March 30, 2006
OLYMPIA– With a stroke of her pen, Governor Chris Gregoire approved a bill that
creates two new tools to help veterans returning from conflicts oversees.
The measure, sponsored by State Representative Dawn Morrell (D-Puyallup), sets
up a new Defenders’ Fund and Veterans Innovation Program.
"These men and women risked their lives to protect our way of life", said
Morrell who co-chairs the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Veteran and Military
Affairs. "Helping our citizen soldiers make the transition back into civilian
life is the least we can do."
Under the Defenders Fund, grants of up to $500 will be given to help individual
soldiers overcome financial hardships in employment, education, housing and
health care.
The Veterans Innovative Program (VIP) sets aside $2 million dollars to help
cities, counties and others develop innovative services tailored to the needs of
veterans in their home communities. Contributions from individuals will also be
accepted by the VIP to fund veteran services.
Morrell said she plans to work in the months ahead to urge citizens and
businesses to donate to the state accounts set up for veterans’ relief.
"The VIP will act as focal point for citizens who want to help returning
soldiers who may need some extra help" Morrell said.
House
Bill 2754 sailed through the Legislature without a single vote in
opposition.
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