On July 12, 2015, LD 721 was passed to establish and align the services provided to Maine veterans. A commission is charged with identifying gaps in the provision of benefits and services to which veterans are entitled and making recommendations to improve access and delivery of those benefits and services. The commission held five meetings during the fall and Winter of 2015-16. The initiatives recommended the establishment of a foundation which will provide support for continued necessary improvements. The recommendations are viewed as reasonable to implement with manageable costs and far outweighed by the benefits.
The 11-member commission has recommended many improvements dealing with marketing and outreach; case management; data collection and statistics; Veteran Service Officers (VSOs); veteran service organizations; transportation; veteran homelessness; post secondary education; improving access to mental health treatment; veteran courts, etc.
Legislation dealing with these issues have been introduced to the 2nd session of the 127th Legislature:
• LD 1612 introduced by House Chairman Golden (Lewiston) addresses enhancements to the Bureau of Maine Veteran Services along with many other Bills dealing with the recommendations of the commission. These bills have gone before the House and Senate many times. Finally, an amendment offered by Sen. Patrick (Rumford) joining three other bills with LD 1612 was submitted to the House and Senate.
• LD 1590, an act to exempt from sales and use tax sales to certain veteran organizations funding direct supportive services to veterans and their families.
• LD 1611, to establish an inter-agency council to coordinate services for homeless veterans.
• LD 1625, an act to improve the delivery of services and benefits to Maine’s veterans and provide tuition assistance to members of the Maine National Guard.
• LD 1612, as amended passed the House with a unanimous vote and the Senate with a majority. This Bill is being funded with surplus funds. What’s next? The governor’s signature.
A good week for the veterans.
Other Veteran bills brought before the House and Senate April 4-8:
• LD 997, an act to streamline requirements for and payments from veteran organizations.
• LD 1610, an act to clarify laws governing certain benefits provided to veterans and military service members.
• LD 1602, an act to align services provided to Maine veterans to address transportation needs to Maine veterans.
In our column Tuesday, April 19, we’ll bring you a full report of activities and results affecting Maine veterans during the 127th session of the Maine Legislature. Remember April 20 is the statutory adjournment date. There are many bills yet to be decided — 68 bills are on the Special Appropriation Committee table.
Homelessness
Maine Homeless Veterans — having one homeless veteran in Maine is an embarrassment, having 500 is a disgrace. There is an extra effort to end homelessness for veterans in Maine. The Cabin in the Woods project at Togus is going to be a big help. Gary Owen, House of Transitional Shelter for Homeless Veterans is being planned.
Boots2Roots
Boots2Roots, a program to help veterans make the transition from military to civilian life has been formed. This program is designed to help with employment, housing, and other forms of assistance to aid returning military veterans. A rep. from this organization will be at the Resource Landing each Tuesday. For more information, call the center at (207) 406-4103.
Local Events
American Legion Boys/Girls State Program is for High School Juniors. Post 20, Brunswick is looking for local businesses to help sponsor these youth. Those interested are asked to call Post Commander Joe Donahue at (207) 725-8431.
Cmdr. Donahue, Brunswick American Legion has been selected to attend a seminar at National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana May 1-3. Topic for the seminar is Americanism, Boys and Girls States, baseball, High School Oratorical contest, flag etiquette, school activities and many other activities such as get out the vote.
Session 3 Book Group, Women Veterans/ Former Service Members, Curtis Memorial Library, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 13.
Till next time, keep the faith.
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Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid-Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.
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