News Details

Friday, May 17, 2008                                                             

For More Information:

Rep. Tyler Olson, (319) 365-1840

2008 Legislature Expands Support and
Services for Iowa Veterans

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids said today that Iowa veterans and their families will benefit from expanded support and services as a result of the 2008 legislative session.

“After great sacrifice on behalf of our country, Iowa veterans and their families deserve our thanks and support.  This year, we approved several bills to help make their lives a little easier.  We ensured our National Guard and reserves called to active duty can get their jobs back after serving.  We found a stable funding source and dedicated $3 million annually to the Veterans’ Trust Fund.  I’m also proud of our effort to help veterans collect the benefits to which they are entitled by having a trained veteran’s affairs director in each county available at least 20 hours per week,” said Olson.

The 2008 legislative session ended on Saturday, April 26.  Below is a list of bills passed that effect Iowa veterans and their families.

·        Job Security Act – troops called to active duty care return to their job at same pay and status (HF 2065)

·        Veteran’s Trust Fund $3 million dedicated funding source to the fund, which provides services like medical care, job training, and counseling. Also expanded the list of expenditures that the fund can be used for to include prescription drugs, housing repair, and medical equipment. (HF 2359 and SF 2124)

·        County Veterans Affairs Commissions – establishes training requirements for local veteran’s affairs offices, requires every office to be open at least 20 hours, and provides $1 million in additional money for the offices (SF 2134)

·        Veterans Home $20.6 million for renovations and construction of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown (SF 2432)

·        Veterans Checkoff –  An Iowa income tax checkoff will be on tax forms next year with proceeds split between the Veterans Trust Fund & the Volunteer Fire Fighters Preparedness Fund (SF 2124)

·        Military Custody – Courts can’t change child custody agreements while one parent is on active duty (SF 2214)

# # #