BILL ANALYSIS Ó SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS LOU CORREA, CHAIRMAN Bill No: SB 1198 Author: Calderon Version: As Introduced February 22, 2012 Hearing Date: April 10, 2012 Fiscal: Yes Consultant: Donald E. Wilson SUBJECT OF BILL Publicity of benefit programs for homeless veterans PROPOSED LAW To help homeless veterans: Requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) to publicize certain programs, including a) the veterans federal pension program, b) the state's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, and c) Cal Fresh (food stamps). Requires publicizing through a) printed material, such as flyers and posters, b) on the department's web site, c) in any informational material distributed through the CalVet Home Loan program, and d) through any other method "the department determines would publicize and create awareness to homeless veterans". This bill would also require the information to state that veterans may receive help from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). EXISTING LAW AND BACKGROUND 1. There has been a dramatic decrease on paper in the number of homeless veterans in California. It was believed that the number was around 55,000; however, due to double (and maybe triple) counting it was determined that there are about 29,500 homeless veterans in California. 2. Despite the recent dramatic decrease advocates point out that 30,000 is still too many and that with returning veterans who are denied care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Advocates also believe that the number of homeless veterans is about to increase. 3. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) runs a veterans pension program for wartime veterans aged 65 or older who have limited or no income. 4. The US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency runs a veterans affairs supportive housing program known as HUD VASH. 5. The State of California runs a food stamp program now known as Calfresh. COMMENT 1. Section B-4 of this bill states the department "shall" use "Any other method that the department determines would publicize and create awareness to homeless veterans about the benefit programs available to them." Obviously television and radio commercials would create awareness, but there is no appropriation in this bill. Is the department expected to take those advertising dollars out of its existing budget? SUPPORT National Association of Social Workers - California Chapter OPPOSE None received Page 2