Senate Dems
welcome Governor’s signature
State Senator Steve Warnstadt today welcomed Governor Vilsack’s signature on legislation that will help Iowa service members purchase homes and make college more affordable for them.
“Iowa has seen a higher proportion of our citizens leave their homes for military service than almost any other state,” said Warnstadt. “Today the state has taken another step to help those families.”
The new law will provide funds to help Iowa service men and women who were activated after September 11, 2001, purchase a home. Families could receive up to $10,000 in matching funds. The Iowa Finance Authority will administer the program. The proposal also fills a budget shortfall for a program that aids National Guard members who go college in Iowa and provides counseling services for activated service members and their families.
“I’ve read news reports about how remote the war in Iraq appears to many Americans,” said Warnstadt. “It isn’t an abstraction to many Iowans. That’s why this legislation received bipartisan support.”
In 2003, the Legislature approved a bipartisan 10-point plan to help Iowans call to serve their country. These men and women — and their families — are sacrificing a great deal for their country. We need to do whatever we can to ease the challenges they face here at home. In recent years, Iowa has moved to the front of states in terms of supporting our troops in real and meaningful ways.
“Compared to other states, Iowa has done more that most,” said Warnstadt. “But compared to what families go through and the importance of supportive local communities, the state’s role is modest. I am hopeful that we can continue to increase our support for Iowa service members.”
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