With an the Increase of New Measure 96 Lottery Dollars to Support Veterans, The House Veterans Committee Starts Identifying Possible Veterans Investments in Four Areas for the 2019-21 Budget

Connie Tanaka, Malheur County Veteran Service Officer and President of the State Association of Oregon CVSO’s

Devin Whitaker, Lincoln County CVSO

 

Click Here to Listen to Transportation Needs Testimony of Malheur CVSO Connie Tanaka and Lincoln County CVSO Devin Whitaker Here

With the passage of Measure 96 in November 2016,  Oregonians approved a new and higher level of commitment to veterans’ and military families. The Legislature is in the early stages of identifying some of the areas of focus for these new resources in the 2019-21 Budget.  House Veterans Committee leadership would like to optimize these resources by focusing on pilot programs using evidence-based practices. Four general areas have been initially identified for these new veterans investments:

  • Transportation
  • Facilities/Local Veterans Organizations Building Infrastructure
  • Mentorships; and
  • Treatment Courts.

At the Veterans Committee hearing on February 23, 2018 two County Veterans Service Officers testified along with ODVA Director Mitch Sparks on the current efforts that support veterans’ transportation needs. Over the remainder of 2018, the House will continue to hone and explore veteran’s investments for the 2019-21 budget.

TransportationThe availability of transportation for veterans’ and military families seeking access to earned benefits, health care, mental health services, and/or other necessary “reintegration services” has long been identified as a critical need.

FacilitiesLocal military services organizations often rely on having community meeting spaces and buildings to provide a place where veterans and spouses can find camaradie, social support and connection to service. Unfortunately, many of these facilities have fallen into disrepair over time and need assistance to remain viable and usable.  

Mentorships–Studies show that person-to-person relationships between returning and more established veterans (and military families) provides a critical service for connection with post-service realities. This is especially needed in rural areas and for underserved populations.

Treatment CourtsResearch has shown that the establishment of county “Veterans’ Courts” and/or “Veterans’ Dockets” can be a very valuable service; diversion opportunities can be life changing for veterans and their families.

 

Contributed by: Andy Smith | AOC Policy Manager