May 28, 2013

Honorable Members of the Joint Conference Committee on the Budget
California State Legislature
State Capitol
Sacramento CA 95814

RE:  SUPPORT ASSEMBLY VERSION:  $3 MILLION AUGMENTATION INCREASE TO COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE   
         OFFICERS.  (8955, CA DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS) 



Dear Joint Conference Committee Member:

I am a veteran.  Please approve the Assembly’s version of the proposal to increase the state funding for County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO’s) by $3 million.  This will bring total state funding to CVSO’s to $5.6 million.

This funding will help the CVSO’s to assist more California veterans obtain their federal benefits.  CVSO’s brought about $350 million in new federal monies to the state last year.  With this increase in funding, the CVSO’s could reach out to and qualify more veterans for their federal benefits.  This money is spent in the local economies and directs veterans to the appropriate federal programs.  This relieves pressure on state and local programs. 

The Assembly proposed to allocate the $3 million increase to CVSO’s.  The Senate did not propose an increase.  Please adopt the Assembly’s version.

ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE #4-STATE ADMINISTRATION ADOPTED PROPOSAL (5-21-13):
 
Increase funding to County Veterans Service Offices. To further assist veterans in filing claims, it is necessary to finally augment state funding for CVSOs to allow these important organizations the ability to increase positions, outreach and productivity. Combined with improved training from Cal Vet, these offices are poised to dramatically improve their efforts to help veterans. This proposal would provide a $3 million augmentation to CVSOs, bringing total state funding to CVSOs to $5.6 million. 

Sincerely,

-Your name
-Your full address
-What veterans organization you belong to.