Far too often, our veterans return to their civilian lives without the knowledge of programs which have been created to assist them. The result is disheartening: the resources set aside for veterans in need may remain untouched while many of them continue to fight for their livelihoods.
 
One such program is the Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF).  As you may recall, the VTF is a non-lapsing fund under the jurisdiction of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs whose mission is to assist and support our veterans and their families.  The VTF issues grants to statewide charitable organizations that assist veterans, veterans service organizations, and county directors of veterans’ affairs.  Funds are received from drivers’ license and vehicle registration voluntary checkoffs, proceeds from ‘Honoring our Veterans’ and ‘Honoring our Women Veterans’ license plates, and grants/gifts/donations, among other sources.
 
My legislation amends Title 51 to create a VTF Grant Evaluation Committee. This legislation will require the DMVA’s internal review committee, which presently administers the VTF grant process, to include 5 members appointed by the Adjutant General and 4 members appointed by the Legislature. Doing so will help to better identify underserved regions of our commonwealth while increasing awareness.  Veterans deserve our very best and this proposal seeks to boost the noble work of the VTF.
 
Last Session, the bill was Senate Bill 531 and was co-sponsored by Senators Bartolotta, Brooks, Costa, Pennycuick, and Robinson.
 
I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0093: 51-1721