Iowa House Bill HF140

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to county commissions of veteran affairs training and making an appropriation.(Formerly HSB 20.)

Impact

The bill stipulates that each county commission of veteran affairs will receive an annual allocation of $10,000, with additional funds earmarked for national training and related expenses totaling $3,000 for each commission. This funding structure not only boosts financial support but also includes requirements for each county to report on the expenditures linked to these allocations. By increasing the annual funding, HF140 aims to empower local governments to provide improved services to veterans, addressing their specific needs more adequately.

Summary

House File 140 aims to enhance support for county commissions of veteran affairs by amending existing legislation regarding funding and training allocations. Specifically, the bill proposes increasing the annual appropriation from the state’s general fund for the county commissions of veteran affairs from one million dollars to one million three hundred thousand dollars starting from fiscal year 2023. This increase is designed to strengthen the services provided to veterans at the county level, ensuring that resources are available for vital support programs.

Contention

While the bill has generally received support, concerns may arise regarding the distribution of funds and whether the increased appropriation will meet the diverse needs of veterans across different counties. Specific debates may center around how effectively these funds can be deployed and the bureaucracy associated with managing and reporting expenditures. Some lawmakers may question if the available budget is sufficient relative to the actual needs of veterans and whether additional oversight is necessary to ensure funds are utilized effectively.