NEW: State Rep. Binienda Increases Funding for Veteran Services
Monday, May 21, 2012
The additional funding was added as an amendment to an omnibus veterans service bill passed by the House on Wednesday. The amendment will increase the fund’s limit from $75,000 to $100,000 for administrative costs, while costing the state no additional revenue.
Binienda wrote the increases into this amendment hoping to augment resources for the “Military Friends Foundation,” the non-profit organization through which services for the fund are administered.
“This money will ensure that the Military Friends Foundation can meet the needs of the influx of recently returning Guard and Reserve veterans,” Binienda said. “The legislature must continue to fulfill its duty to the brave men and women who have fought on our behalf over the past decade.”
Created in 2005 by the legislature to defray the costs of housing, utilities, medical services and other services, the Military Family Relief Fund serves the families of Guard and Reserve members called to duty post-9/11. All funds are donated, but with so many veterans returning and the administrative cost restriction, outreach and services proved increasingly difficult.
“As our troops return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, it is critical that we provide the highest quality of support as they readjust into civilian life,” SGM Jim Kelly, Iraq Combat Veteran and President of the Military Friends Foundation said. “Representative Binienda's amendment will ensure that Military Friends Foundation can continue to assist service members and their families across the Commonwealth.”
Binienda’s amendment was added to H. 4088, an Act relative to veterans' access, livelihood, opportunity, and resources (the VALOR Act), which was passed by the House to increase job and education opportunities for veterans.
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