BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1198|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1198
Author: Calderon (D)
Amended: 5/29/12
Vote: 21
SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE : 7-0, 4/10/12
AYES: Correa, Cannella, Berryhill, Calderon, Negrete
McLeod, Rubio, Lieu
NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : 6-0, 5/24/12
AYES: Kehoe, Walters, Alquist, Dutton, Lieu, Steinberg
NO VOTE RECORDED: Price
SUBJECT : Department of Veterans Affairs: publicity of
benefit programs for homeless veterans
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill requires the Department of Veterans
Affairs (DVA) to publicize information relating to the
federal and state benefits that are available to homeless
veterans. This bill requires DVA to use printed material,
its Internet Web site, and other forms of media to
distribute information about available programs.
ANALYSIS : Existing law establishes the DVA within state
government and sets forth its powers and duties, including,
but not limited to, administration of veterans benefits
programs.
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This bill requires the DVA to publicize information
pertaining to benefits
that are available to veterans by using any of the
following methods:
1. Printed material including flyers and posters that can
be provided to county veterans service offices, homeless
shelters, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and other public
and private entities that are in contact with homeless
veterans.
2. Posted on the DVA's Internet Web site.
3. Any other method that the DVA determines would publicize
and create awareness to homeless veterans about the
benefit programs available to them.
This bill requires the information to inform veterans about
how they can receive assistance from a county veterans
service office in obtaining these benefits.
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 and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Advocates also believe that the number of homeless
veterans is about to increase.
3. The United States DVA runs a veterans pension program
for wartime veterans aged 65 or older who have limited
or no income.
4. The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency
runs a veterans affairs supportive housing program known
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as HUD VASH.
5. The State of California runs a food stamp program now
known as CalFresh.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, printed
materials are estimated at $40,000-$50,000 (General Fund).
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/29/12)
California Communities United Institute
California Senior Legislature
National Association of Social Workers - California Chapter
RM:kc 5/29/12 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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