Bill > SB296

This bill proposes to increase the state's annual appropriation for county veterans service officers (CVSOs) and veterans service organizations from a previous maximum of $5 million to $9 million, with $7.6 million designated for CVSOs and $1.4 million for veterans service organizations. CVSOs are local points of contact who help veterans access federal benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and this bill aims to provide them with more funding to increase outreach to veterans who may be unaware of their eligibility for benefits, particularly those returning from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as older veterans and their dependents. The bill highlights the significant return on investment from state funding for CVSOs, noting that for every dollar invested, veterans have received substantial monetary benefits, and also points out potential cost savings in Medi-Cal by shifting eligible veterans to federal programs.