Sen. Alting Highlights 2017 Legislation Supporting Hoosier Veterans

STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2017) – Joined by Hoosier veterans and members of various veteran service organizations, State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) today highlighted legislation passed during the 2017 session that will go into effect July 1 to support Hoosier veterans.

“Today’s press conference is an opportunity for Hoosier veterans in Tippecanoe County and around the state to learn about the various veteran-focused programs and initiatives lawmakers passed during the 2017 session,” Alting said. “With the funding to get these programs off the ground, veterans and their families will soon be able to seek further assistance with things like housing, treatment and job training.”

During the 2017 session, lawmakers approved funding over the next two years for the following veteran-focused initiatives:

• $1 million to help reduce the number of homeless veterans;
  
• $600,000 to hire six new state veteran service officers;
  
• Dedicating $4 million for Veteran Problem Solving Courts;
  
• $1 million for a hyperbaric treatment pilot program to help veterans struggling with PSTD;
  
• An increase in the military retirement income tax deduction; and
  
• $1.8 million for various veteran service organizations (i.e. American Legion, AMVETS, etc.) to improve assistance for veterans seeking benefits.
  

Alting added that the legislature also passed new laws supporting military families:

• Senate Enrolled Act 307 requires the Department of Workforce Development to give veterans and their spouses priority placement for any federal or state employment or training program.
  
• Senate Enrolled Act 382 allows the surviving spouse of a veteran to request that designation to appear on a driver's license or identification card.
  
• House Enrolled Act 1394 requires local governments to waive any business or professional license fees for veterans and their spouses.
  

If service members or their families have questions about these new laws or how to access veteran resources, don’t hesitate to contact my office by phone at 317-232-9517 or by email at Senator.Alting@iga.in.gov. Jim Harris, Tippecanoe Veteran Service Officer, can also be contacted by phone at 765-742-1796 or by email at jharris@tippecanoe.in.gov.

-30-

Contact: Brady Hagerty, Senior Press Secretary
317-232-9425
brady.hagerty@iga.in.gov