BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 2574
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Date of Hearing: April 12, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Jacqui Irwin, Chair
AB 2574
(Chávez) - As Amended March 28, 2016
SUBJECT: Veteran farmers and ranchers
SUMMARY: Requires a collaboration of state departments to
develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance
Plan (plan) to disseminate information electronically through
America's Job Centers of California (AJCC's), as specified.
Specifically, this bill:
1)Requires, by July 1, 2017, the Department of Food and
Agriculture, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency
(Agency), in consultation with the Department of Veterans
Affairs (DVA) to develop a plan to disseminate information
electronically through AJCC's and through any other already
available means, to veterans in California about state and
federal veteran and agricultural education, training, other
assistance programs and resources offered through the federal
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) and any other subsequent
federal acts related to agriculture.
2)Specifies that other public or private sector resources may
also be included in the dissemination of the specified
information if these resources a) offer a guaranteed loans or
other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in
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meeting their needs, including but not limited to, loans for
farm ownership through the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase
Act of 1974, also known as the Cal-Vet loan program, as well
as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and
improvement, other needs as appropriate, or b) support
eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving
veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for
federal funding authorized by the federal Act and any other
subsequent federal agricultural acts.
3)Makes related findings and declarations.
EXISTING LAW:
1)Establishes the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency
(Agency) and the state Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA),
the Department of Food and Agriculture (Department).
2)Provides for a variety of state and federal benefits to
veterans including those related to educational assistance and
farm and home purchases, as specified.
3)Establishes the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 which, among
other things, provides and prioritizes federal funding and
technical assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: According to the author:
The lack of knowledge about federal funding and assistance in
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the Act available to help veterans become farmers and ranchers
in our state has led to the federal moneys from the Act to be
under-utilized or drawn upon to assist California veterans and
our state as a whole. The author states, nationwide there are
a large percentage of farmers and ranchers reaching the age of
65, and with this bill seeks to encourage and support a new
generation of veteran farmers and ranchers to utilize the
federal Act through outreach and assistance.
This bill promotes veteran employment and increased veteran
participation in federal, state, or private veteran benefit
opportunities and it promotes the agricultural industry of
California. It is aligned with current policy.
Double referral: The previous version of this bill, similar in
concept to the current version, was heard in the Labor and
Employment Committee. It passed unanimously.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California State Guild (sponsor)
AMVETS- Department of California
American Legion- Department of California
AB 2574
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Military Officers Association of America, California Council of
Chapters
VFW- Department of California
Vietnam Veterans of America- California State Council
Opposition
None on File.
Analysis Prepared by:John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550