Honoring Veterans and Servicemembers

Iowa Senate Democrats have consistently initiated and supported bipartisan efforts to honor Iowa veterans and servicemembers.  The 2006 legislative session is another opportunity to provide adequate funding for veterans services and needed benefits for those currently serving our country.  While we have made progress in increasing protections and benefits to our veterans, much remains to be done.

 

·        Helps recently mobilized service members buy a home by funding a matching grant program of up to $5,000 per family.

·        Provides hardship grants to wounded veterans and their families.

·        Keep promises to provide tuition assistance to members of the National Guard.

·        Provide at least $3 million for improvements to the Iowa Veterans Home

The Senate Democrats’
“2006 Servicemember Support Agenda”

Among the measures Democratic Senators will introduce this year include:

·        Increasing staff support for the Iowa Veterans Home and the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs at Camp Dodge.

·        Completing the Iowa National Veterans Cemetery.

·        Allowing non-profit veterans service organizations to host social gambling fundraisers.

·        Helping disabled veterans not eligible for VA funding with home modifications.

·        Allowing previously excluded Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans to receive a bonus.

·        Eliminating sales tax on fundraisers by non-profit veterans service organizations.

·        Fully funding the Homebuyer Assistance Program.

·        Providing a no-fee Gold Star license plate

·        Increasing the individual veterans’ property tax exemption.

 

The 2005 Session’s Accomplishments

Among the measures successfully introduced and supported by Senate Democrats last year:

·        A lifetime disabled and prisoner of war veterans hunting and fishing license for $30.

·        Expanded veteran status for 20-year veterans of the National Guard.

·        Alerting Iowa veterans, especially those who served in Viet Nam, that the National Center for Disease Control considers them a high-risk group for Hepatitis C and providing information, medical screening and treatment options.

·        Expanded counseling services to all active duty military personnel and their families.

·        Kept college assistance promises made to deployed National Guard members.

·        Finally, the Senate made it easier for activated service members to pay for life insurance, and provided a death benefit for those who have died fighting terrorism.